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Purely Electronic Chirality without Structural Chirality

Takayuki Ishitobi1,2 and Kazumasa Hattori2

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 056402 – Published 4 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/dc1q-xzbd

Abstract

We introduce the concept of purely electronic chirality (PEC), which arises in the absence of structural chirality. In condensed matter physics and chemistry, chirality has conventionally been understood as a mirror-image asymmetry in crystal or molecular structures. We demonstrate that certain electronic orders exhibit chirality-related properties without atomic displacement. Specifically, we investigate quadrupole orders to realize such purely electronic chirality with handedness that can be tuned by magnetic fields. As a representative example, we analyze a model featuring 120° antiferro quadrupole orders on a distorted kagome lattice, predicting various chirality-related responses in the nonmagnetic ordered phase of URhSn. Furthermore, as a phonon analog, chiral phonons can emerge in achiral crystals through coupling with the PEC order. Our results provide a distinct origin of chirality and a fundamental basis for exploring the interplay between electronic and structural chirality.

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synopsis

Electronic Chirality Without Structural Chirality

Published 4 February, 2026

A crystal whose arrangement of atoms lacks chirality can nevertheless host a chiral electronic state.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 056402– Published 4 February, 2026
  • Received 15 February 2025
  • Revised 5 November 2025
  • Accepted 3 December 2025
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