Evidence of quantum phase slip effect in titanium nanowires

TL;DR

This study provides experimental evidence of quantum phase slip effects in titanium nanowires, revealing broadening of resistance-temperature dependencies below 50 nm diameter, attributed to quantum fluctuations rather than thermal effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates the presence of quantum phase slip effects in titanium nanowires and rules out structural imperfections as the cause of observed phenomena.

Findings

Pronounced broadening of R(T) below 50 nm diameter

Absence of structural imperfections causing broadening

Attribution of effects to quantum fluctuations of the order parameter

Abstract

Electron transport properties of titanium nanowires were experimentally studied. Below the effective diameter $\lesssim$ 50 nm all samples demonstrated a pronounced broadening of the $R(T)$ dependencies, which cannot be accounted for thermal flcutuations. An extensive microscopic and elemental analysis indicates the absence of structural or/and geometrical imperfection capable to broaden the the $R(T)$ transition to such an extent. We associate the effect with quantum flucutuations of the order parameter.