Self-trapped quantum walks

Abstract: We study the existence and charaterization of self-trapping phenomena in discrete-time quantum walks. By considering a Kerr-like nonlinearity, we associate an acquisition of the intensity-dependent phase to the walker while it propagates on the lattice. Adjusting the nonlinear parameter ($\chi$) and the quantum gates ($\theta$), we will show the existence of different quantum walking regimes, including those with travelling soliton-like structures or localized by self-trapping. This latter scenario is absent for quantum gates close enough to Pauli-X. It appears for intermediate configurations and becomes predominant as quantum gates get closer to Pauli-Z. By using $\chi$ versus $\theta$ diagrams, we will show that the threshold between quantum walks with delocalized or localized regimes exhibit an unusual aspect, in which an increment on the nonlinear strength can induce the system from localized to a delocalized regime.