We observe periodic oscillations in the weak magnetic-field magnetoresistance for quantum wires subjected to a corrugated gate. This enhanced magnetoresistance is attributed to backscattering of electrons from the gate corrugations due to direct ballistic trajectories through the multiple (open) quantum dot structures. Simulations of the quantum transport also show evidence of the enhanced magnetoresistance, suggesting that the classical backscattering trajectories are carried into the quantum behavior of the wire.

• Received 23 December 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.56.1073