Symmetry constraints on the orbital transport in solids

TL;DR

This paper investigates how symmetry constraints in solids affect orbital moment transport, revealing ultrafast oscillations and prompting a re-evaluation of previous findings with implications for orbitronic device design.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of symmetry constraints on orbital transport and uncovers ultrafast oscillations not explained by existing semiclassical models.

Findings

Symmetry constraints significantly influence orbital moment propagation.

Ultrafast orbital moment oscillations are observed, not captured by semiclassical models.

Re-interpretation of prior experimental observations is necessary.

Abstract

We show that electron interaction with the crystal lattice imposes stringent symmetry constrains on the 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 re-interpretation of prior observations, and suggest routes for efficient orbitronic device implementation.