Orbital magnetoelectric effect in zigzag nanoribbons of p-band systems

Profiles of the spin and orbital angular momentum accumulations induced by a longitudinally applied electric field are explored in nanoribbons of p-band systems with a honeycomb lattice. We show that nanoribbons with zigzag borders can exhibit orbital magnetoelectric effects. More specifically, we have found that purely orbital magnetization oriented perpendicularly to the ribbon may be induced in these systems by means of the external electric field when sublattice symmetry is broken. The effect is rather general and may occur in other multiorbital materials.

Automated summary

The study investigates the profiles of spin and orbital angular momentum accumulations induced by a longitudinally applied electric field in nanoribbons with a honeycomb lattice structure. It is found that nanoribbons with zigzag borders may exhibit orbital magnetoelectric effects, and purely orbital magnetization oriented perpendicularly to the ribbon can be induced by the external electric field when sublattice symmetry is broken. This effect is quite general and may also occur in other multiorbital materials.