Magnetoresistance fluctuations in mesoscopic wires and rings

A simulation of the magnetoresistance of very small wires shows sample-specific, aperiodic structure due to the non-self-averaging nature of quasi-one-dimensional conductors in this size range. This explains earlier failures to observe flux-periodic magnetoresistance in very small rings. Analysis of the temperature and size dependence of the effect gives good agreement with experiment. A prediction is made for the experimental conditions in which oscillations periodic with flux hce will be observed. © 1985 The American Physical Society.