Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Three Scientists for Quantum Research

Title: Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Three Scientists for Quantum Research

STOCKHOLM — John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking research on quantum mechanical tunneling. Their work has significant implications for the advancement of quantum technology, including quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors.

Clarke, 83, conducted his research at the University of California, Berkeley. Martinis, 67, worked at the University of California, Santa Barbara, while Devoret, 72, is affiliated with Yale University and also the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Nobel committee recognized their contributions as pivotal in developing the next generation of quantum technology.

Clarke expressed his surprise at receiving the award, stating, "To put it mildly, it was the surprise of my life." He acknowledged the contributions of his colleagues, calling them "brilliant people" whose work has been overwhelming. Speaking from his cellphone, he noted, "One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work."

The research conducted by the trio in the mid-1980s explored the peculiarities of quantum mechanics, demonstrating how subatomic interactions can be applied to real-world technology. Jonathan Bagger, CEO of the American Physical Society, emphasized the importance of their findings, stating that they have the potential to enhance computing and communication technologies.

Mark Pearce, a professor of astrophysics and a member of the Nobel Physics Committee, highlighted the practical applications of their work. He mentioned that quantum computers represent one obvious use, but the technology could also lead to advancements in quantum sensors and cryptography, allowing for secure information encoding.

Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, remarked on the ongoing relevance of quantum mechanics, stating, "It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology."

This year marks the 119th time the Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded. Last year, the prize was given to artificial intelligence pioneers John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their contributions to machine learning. The Nobel announcements will continue with the chemistry prize on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, followed by the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics on October 13.

The award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, commemorating the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. The Nobel Prizes carry significant prestige and include a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, approximately $1.2 million.