What is the origin of the idiom "quantum leap" and when to use it?

The phrase "quantum leap" has its origin in the field of physics, specifically in the theory of quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, a "quantum" is the smallest possible unit of energy, and a "quantum leap" refers to the sudden and dramatic movement of an electron from one energy level to another within an atom. Over time, the phrase "quantum leap" came to be used metaphorically to describe a sudden and significant change or advancement in any field or area of life.