Anisotropy of atoms in strong magnetic fields

The anisotropy of the atomic electronic density caused by strong magnetic fields is discussed here in the context of the statistical theory. In the framework of the current-density functional theory, a derivation is given of the gradient terms, necessary for anisotropy, based on the polarizability of free electrons in a magnetic field. Numerical results for the electronic density show a strong elongation of the electronic density along the field direction. In very high magnetic fields the electronic density is localized in thin columns along the field.