Observation of superconductivity in single crystalline Bi nanowires

Bi nanowires have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition into the pores of ion track etched polycarbonate membranes. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction measurements reveal that these Bi nanowires are single crystalline with the rhombohedral lattice structure of bulk Bi at ambient pressure. We have measured the temperature dependence of the resistance and I-V characteristics at various magnetic fields on these Bi nanowires. These measurements show clear evidence for superconductivity below 0.64 K.