  We discuss the existence of a conformal phase in SU(N) gauge theories in four
dimensions. In this lattice study we explore the model in the bare parameter
space, varying the lattice coupling and bare mass. Simulations are carried out
with three colors and twelve flavors of dynamical staggered fermions in the
fundamental representation. The analysis of the chiral order parameter and the
mass spectrum of the theory indicates the restoration of chiral symmetry at
zero temperature and the presence of a Coulomb-like phase, depicting a scenario
compatible with the existence of an infrared stable fixed point at nonzero
coupling. Our analysis supports the conclusion that the onset of the conformal
window for QCD-like theories is smaller than Nf=12, before the loss of
asymptotic freedom at sixteen and a half flavors. We discuss open questions and
future directions.
