Stargate/ZPM

A Zero Point Module, abbreviated ZPM, is a fictional power device in the Stargate universe capable of generating immense amounts of energy utilizing zero point energy which derives from a phenomenon known as the quantum foam (subatomic wormholes opening and closing constantly in and out of subspace). The ZPM contains an artificially created region of spacetime from which this power is drawn. As ZPMs work off a thermodynamically irreversible process, every ZPM (if used) will eventually reach maximum entropy, at which point it is depleted and can no longer provide power. The amount of energy generated by three ZPMs is sufficient to power an energy shield over a city the size of Manhattan for 10,000 years, as well as for interstellar travel.

The ZPM was created by the Ancients, the first evolution of humans millions of years ago. The city of Atlantis utilizes ZPM technology and requires three ZPMs to be fully functional.

Like many types of Ancients technology, the ZPM appears to be crystal-based.

The Ancients attempted to replace Zero Point Modules with Project Arcturus at one point.