In this paper, we present it method for growing copper-based nanowires. The method is based on the unusual modification of a halogenated Copper Surface by exposure to I helium plasma. The nanowires have diameters ranging between 50 and 150 run and lengths up to 50 mu m. They are polycrystalline, and large parts of the wires have it pronounced core-shell structure with a dense shell and less material inside. The wires are grown in it plasma environment at room temperature, and large amounts can be grown in a matter of minutes. The critical process parameters for the growth process are the gas now and pressure Settings, and the impact thereof will be discussed in detail. In order to gain insight in a possible growth mechanism, Out observations are compared with literature oil the growth of silver whiskers from halogenated silver crystallites. Finally, photoluminescence spectra of the wires are discussed in view of the analytical data about the stoichiometry and structure of the nanowires.