The discrete-time quantum walk (QW) is a quantum version of the random walk (RW) and has been widely investigated for the last two decades. Some remarkable properties of QW are well known. For example, QW has a ballistic spreading, i.e., QW is quadratically faster than RW. For some cases, localization occurs: a walker stays at the starting position forever. In this paper, we consider stationary measures of two-state QWs on the line. It was shown that for any space-homogeneous model, the uniform measure becomes the stationary measure. However, the corresponding result for space-inhomogeneous model is not known. Here, we present a class of space-inhomogeneous QWs on the line and cycles in which the uniform measure is stationary. Furthermore, we briefly discuss a difference between QWs and RWs.
We investigate the interplay between nonlinearity and inhomogeneities in discrete-time quantum walks on one-dimensional lattices. Nonlinear effects are introduced through a Kerr-like, intensity-dependent local phase, while spatial and temporal inhomogeneities are implemented via random variations of the quantum gate operations. By analyzing typical quantities, such as the return probability and the participation function, we identify distinct quantum walking regimes as the nonlinear parameter
χ and the quantum gate parameter
θ are varied. Spatial inhomogeneities weaken nonlinear self-trapping and constrict the region of robust localization. In this process, partially localized regimes emerge, characterized by the coexistence of a confined core and dispersive wave-packet components. In contrast, temporal inhomogeneities act as time-dependent perturbations that continuously disrupt the phase coherence required for self-trapped excitation, thereby enhancing dispersive emission and promoting delocalization. By using
χ versus
θ diagrams, we display a comprehensive characterization of how inhomogeneities modify the stability and extent of prevailing dynamical regimes, elucidating the competition between nonlinearity and inhomogeneities in discrete-time quantum walks.