We have derived a set of semiclassical equations for electrons in magnetic Bloch bands. The velocity and energy of magnetic Bloch electrons are found to be modified by the Berry phase and magnetization. This semiclassical approach is used to study general electron transport in a dc or ac electric field. We also find a close connection between the cyclotron orbits in magnetic Bloch bands and the energy subbands in the Hofstadter spectrum. Based on this formalism, the pattern of band splitting, the distribution of Hall conductivities, and the positions of energy subbands in the Hofstadter spectrum can be understood in a simple and unified picture. © 1996 The American Physical Society.

• Received 16 October 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.53.7010