Relativistic effects in quantum walks: Klein's paradox and zitterbewegung

Quantum walks are not only algorithmic tools for quantum computation but also non-trivial models describing various physical processes. The Letter compares one-dimensional version of the free particle Dirac equation with the discrete time quantum walk (DTQW). It is shown that two relativistic effects associated with the Dirac equation, namely zitterbewegung (quivering motion) and Klein's paradox, are manifested in DTQW. A special case of DTQW for Lorentz invariance not satisfied in the corresponding continuous limit is considered. The effects are examined.