What is meant by being driven by quantum fluctuations in QPTs

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SUMMARY

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) are fundamentally driven by quantum fluctuations, distinguishing them from thermal fluctuations that characterize classical phase transitions. This means that at absolute zero temperature, the system's properties are influenced by quantum mechanical effects rather than thermal energy. The critical point's characteristics, including critical exponents, are determined by these quantum fluctuations, which play a crucial role in defining the behavior of the system near the transition.

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RickvB
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What is meant by "being driven by quantum fluctuations" in QPTs

Hello all,

I'm reading a bit about quantum phase transitions, and in almost every description out there one will find the following mysterious phrase:

"quantum phase transitions are driven by quantum fluctuations rather than thermal fluctuations"

What does that mean? Especially the 'driven by' ..? I have not found an alternate description of what is being said here (either that, or I don't recognize it).

Any help or explanations would be welcome!

- Rick
 
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Doesn't it just mean the properties of the critical point are determined by those fluctuations? (Critical exponents, etc)
 

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