Quantum Theory of Current-Generating Local Orbital Magnetization

Abstract

Local orbital magnetization is the field whose rotation generates the equilibrium current density. Unlike spin magnetization, a quantum-mechanical local formula consistent with both this current relation and the modern theory of bulk orbital magnetization has been missing. In this work, we derive a quantum-mechanical formula for the local orbital magnetization for non-interacting electrons by considering local-flux response of the grand potential. The local-flux response fixes the formula uniquely in two dimensions, whereas in three dimensions it selects a natural representative within a longitudinal ambiguity. Furthermore, coarse graining yields a natural local marker that generates the current to third-derivative order, and its site-position moment equals the orbital magnetic quadrupole moment of finite-size systems. We illustrate the obtained results with the Haldane model.