Non-scientists can bandy the word quantum about and use it as a marketing tool. In the sense of electrons, atoms, molecules and nanoparticles many quantum phenomena arise out of tight spatial confinement and with an electromagnetic potential.
Transition between states requires a quantum of energy. That means a bit, an amount, of energy and the amount of energy is very precise. If it does not exactly match the gap in the energy “ladder” there is no transition. Try climbing a physical plane ladder without using the steps, it is tricky.
I think of some quantum phenomenon as a special case of very precise resonance.
People can get all excited by wave particle duality, man.
They can extrapolate beyond appropriateness. I have seen the phrase quantum allowing on a number of web sites. The weird thing is quantum mechanics forbids more than it allows.
It is strange people like groovy words…
Oh well…
Traou an Dour 