Theory of local orbital magnetization: local Berry curvature

Abstract

We develop a thermodynamic theory of local orbital magnetization based on a perturbative expansion of the magnetic-field-dependent local density of states. Applicable to periodic crystals, finite systems with open boundaries, and ribbons alike, the formalism resolves orbital magnetic textures at the sublattice scale. It further reveals a previously unidentified local Berry curvature that captures the magnetic-field-induced redistribution of electronic weight in real space. We establish the consistency of the theory across geometries, identify orbital ferro-, antiferro-, and ferrimagnetic phases in both topological and trivial insulators, and demonstrate that the local Berry curvature provides a bulk description of topology in finite systems.

6 (+ 15) pages, 3 (+ 2) figures