Heat transport combines particle‑like phonon propagation with wave‑like coherence.
Copper atoms exhibit localized dynamic disorder rather than long‑range migration.
First‑principles calculations and molecular‑dynamics simulations revealed the mechanism.
Potential applications include thermoelectric generators and advanced thermal‑management technologies.
The confined motion of copper atoms creates strong anharmonicity, allowing phonon coherence to dominate heat flow.
This results in a thermoelectric figure of merit of 1.7, making the material one of the most efficient for converting waste heat to electricity.
The discovery could improve energy recovery in power plants, steel factories, automobiles and data centres.
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