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An analogy between the band structure of narrow gap semiconductors and the Dirac equation for relativistic electrons in vacuum is used to demonstrate that semiconductor electrons experience a Zitterbewegung (trembling motion). Its frequency is ₙE₆∕ and its amplitude is ₙ, where ₙ=∕m₀^*u corresponds to the Compton wavelength in vacuum (E₆ is the energy gap, m₀^* is the effective mass, and u1. 310^80. 3em{0ex}cm∕s). Once the electrons are described by a two-component spinor for a specific energy band there is no Zitterbewegung but the electrons should be treated as extended objects of size ₙ. The magnitude of ₙ in narrow gap semiconductors can be as large as 700. 3em{0ex}. Possible consequences of the above predictions are indicated.
W. Zawadzki (2005) studied this question.