We show that electron interaction with the crystal lattice imposes stringent symmetry constraints on the atomic orbital moment propagation. We present examples that elucidate the underlying mechanisms and reveal an additional effect of ultrafast orbital moment oscillations not captured by the semiclassical models. The constraints revealed by our analysis warrant reinterpretation of prior observations and suggest routes for efficient orbitronic device implementation.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Magnetism
• Spin Hall effect
• Spin transfer torque
• Spintronics