
quantum critical point
A quantum critical point is a state at absolute zero temperature where a material transitions between different phases, such as from magnetic to non-magnetic, driven by quantum fluctuations rather than thermal energy. Near this point, tiny changes in conditions like pressure or magnetic field can cause significant effects, leading to unusual behaviors like unconventional superconductivity. It's a fundamental concept in quantum physics that helps us understand how complex materials behave at the edge of different phases, revealing the influence of quantum mechanics on materials' properties.