We propose, and demonstrate with the help of a simple model, that the resistance peaks in the quantum Hall experiments on narrow samples result from the phenomenon of ‘‘resonant reflection,’’ which involves a resonant tunneling of an electron from one extended state to another through localized states. We make a number of predictions which involve the specific nature of the breakdown of the dissipationless transport.

• Received 17 February 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.60.1542