e2/h quantization of the conduction in Cu nanowires

We have investigated the quantum transport behavior of Cu nanowires created by bringing two macroscopic Cu wires into and out of contact at room temperature. We have observed quantum conductance with steps of both e(2)/h and 2e(2)/h. We conclude that the spin degeneracy can be broken in nonmagnetic Cu nanowires. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.