Ultranarrow AuPd and Al wires

In this letter, we discuss a versatile template technique aimed to the fabrication of sub-10nm wide wires. Using this technique, we have measured AuPd wires, 12nm wide and as long as 20μm. Even materials that form a strong superficial oxide, and thus not suited to be used in combination with other techniques, can be employed. In particular, we have measured Al wires, with lateral width smaller or comparable to 10nm, and length exceeding 10μm.