Weak localization in ballistic quantum dots

Previously, there has been much discussion about the zero-field resistance peaks observed in experiments on quantum dots and how this effect can be interpreted as weak localization. Performing numerical simulations of quantum dots of different sizes and shapes, we obtain resistance peaks similar to those obtained experimentally. However, our results show that these peaks may have a different origin, occurring as a result of a conductance resonance structure that is a reflection of the underlying energy spectrum. Importantly, our results explain why such peaks are ubiquitous and occur in instances where the underlying assumptions of the weak-localization theory are not being satisfied. [S0163-1829(99)01228-X].