Comment on ``Observation of the $\nu=1$ quantum Hall effect in a strongly localized two-dimensional system''

TL;DR

This paper comments on a recent study of the quantum Hall effect in localized systems, proposing a possible explanation for discrepancies between observed results and theoretical predictions.

Contribution

It offers a hypothesis to explain differences in the disorder-magnetic field phase diagram observed in recent quantum Hall experiments.

Findings

Proposes a possible origin for the discrepancy in phase diagrams.

Highlights differences between experimental results and theoretical models.

Suggests further investigation into disorder effects in quantum Hall systems.

Abstract

In a recent Rapid Communication ``Observation of the $\nu=1$ quantum Hall effect in a strongly localized two-dimensional system,'' Shahar, Tsui, and Cunningham reported a disorder --- magnetic field phase diagram for the integer quantum Hall effect that appeared to differ qualitatively from theoretical predictions as well as from experimental results obtained by others. In this Comment, I suggest a possible origin of this difference.