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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
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Purely Electronic Chirality without Structural Chirality
Takayuki Ishitobi1,2, Kazumasa Hattori2
1Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Advanced Science Research Center, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|February 22, 2026
Summary
We introduce purely electronic chirality (PEC), a novel form of handedness in materials without structural asymmetry. This electronic property, observed in quadrupole orders, can be manipulated by magnetic fields, offering new avenues in condensed matter physics.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Quantum chemistry
Background:
- Chirality conventionally refers to structural asymmetry in crystals or molecules.
- A gap exists in understanding chirality beyond atomic arrangements.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce purely electronic chirality (PEC) as a distinct phenomenon.
- Explore PEC in quadrupole orders and its tunability.
- Investigate the emergence of chiral phonons from PEC.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of electronic orders.
- Modeling 120° antiferro quadrupole orders on a kagome lattice.
- Investigating magnetic field effects on PEC handedness.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated PEC in quadrupole orders without atomic displacement.
- Showcased magnetic field tunability of PEC handedness.
- Predicted chiral phonon emergence via coupling with PEC in achiral crystals.
Conclusions:
- PEC offers a new origin of chirality independent of atomic structure.
- Results provide a foundation for studying electronic-structural chirality interplay.
- Potential applications in novel electronic and phononic devices.
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