Quantum Heat Waves Spotted at Room Temperature for the First Time

UCLA researchers reported room-temperature phonon focusing in boron arsenide, where heat traveled in concentrated, ray-like paths.

Nanoscale temperature imaging showed the effect depends on crystal orientation, not ordinary diffusive spreading.

The finding suggests heat can be steered as waves at usable distances even at room temperature.

This could improve chip cooling and open new possibilities for quantum and next-generation computing.