Nobel Physics Prize Honors Quantum Technology Trailblazers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Physicists John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking research that brought quantum mechanics from theory into practical technology. Their work on quantum tunneling has influenced computing, communications, and ultra-sensitive measurements. The trio’s discovery helped bridge the gap between the mysterious subatomic world and real-world digital innovation.
Quantum Physics Quick Looks
- Winners: John Clarke (UC Berkeley), Michel Devoret (Yale/UC Santa Barbara), John Martinis (UC Santa Barbara).
- Prize Focus: Quantum tunneling and real-world quantum technology applications.
- Significance: Foundational for quantum computing, communications, cryptography, and precision sensors.
- Clarke’s Reaction: “It was the surprise of my life,” he told the AP.
- Martinis’ Morning: Still asleep when news broke — “He doesn’t like surprises,” said his wife.
- Devoret: Could not be reached immediately after the announcement.
- Prize Value: 11 million Swedish kronor (≈$1.2 million).
- Ceremony: Scheduled for Dec. 10, marking Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary.
- Previous Year’s Winners: John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for AI foundations.
- Committee Insight: “Quantum mechanics remains full of surprises,” said Olle Eriksson, Nobel Chair.
Deep Look
Quantum Masters Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Groundbreaking Work on Subatomic Tunneling
STOCKHOLM — The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded Tuesday to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for transformative research that advanced the real-world application of quantum mechanics, enabling leaps in communication, computing, and sensing technologies.
Their discoveries on quantum tunneling — a phenomenon where subatomic particles appear to “pass through” barriers — have pushed quantum theory into practical use, making technologies from cellphones to MRIs more powerful and efficient.
“One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work,” Clarke said in an interview from his home at UC Berkeley.
Bringing Quantum Weirdness to Everyday Life
Quantum mechanics, a field that explores how particles behave at subatomic levels, has long been described as “weird science.” Atoms can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and electrons can tunnel through obstacles that should be impossible to penetrate.
But the Nobel laureates’ research in the 1980s turned this once-esoteric theory into the foundation for technologies that operate on human scales.
“They took the invisible and made it usable,” said Jonathan Bagger, CEO of the American Physical Society. “This is what allows us to translate the bizarre world of quantum physics into devices we can build.”
Richard Fitzgerald, editor-in-chief of Physics Today, added that their innovations “bridged a century-old mystery with modern engineering.”
Quantum Technology: From Labs to Living Rooms
The Nobel Committee highlighted the trio’s role in developing practical quantum systems — from quantum sensors that detect faint magnetic fields to components that could form the backbone of quantum computers.
“Quantum computers are one obvious use, but so are quantum sensors and cryptography,” said Mark Pearce, astrophysicist and Nobel Committee member. “This work paves the way for secure communications and ultra-sensitive measurements.”
Clarke, 83, said that while quantum computing has not yet reached its full potential, their early work “in some ways forms its basis.”
A Foundation for Modern Technology
Experts note that quantum effects are already part of everyday life — even if people don’t realize it.
“Quantum mechanics is everywhere, from the phone in your hand to the satellite above it,” said Bagger.
While it’s an overstatement to say smartphones directly use the Nobel trio’s discoveries, sensitive measuring devices and imaging tools like MRIs rely on techniques inspired by their work, he explained.
“Their contribution made modern imaging far more sensitive and practical,” Bagger added.
How the Winners Reacted
Clarke said he was “stunned and overwhelmed” by the early-morning call from Sweden.
“It had never occurred to me that I’d win a Nobel Prize,” he told the AP. “To put it mildly, it was the surprise of my life.”
At Martinis’ Santa Barbara home, the news arrived before he did — quite literally. His wife, Jean Martinis, told reporters that her husband was still asleep when the Nobel Committee called.
“He doesn’t like surprises,” she said, laughing. “We used to stay up all night for the announcement, but sleep won out.”
Devoret, who holds joint appointments at Yale University and UC Santa Barbara, could not be reached immediately after the award.
A Century of Quantum Discovery
The 2025 Physics Nobel marks the 119th time the prize has been awarded since its inception.
“It is wonderful to celebrate how century-old quantum mechanics continues to deliver new surprises and practical uses,” said Olle Eriksson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. “It remains the foundation of all digital technology.”
The award follows Monday’s announcement of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for discoveries about immune tolerance.
Upcoming Nobel announcements include:
- Chemistry (Wednesday)
- Literature (Thursday)
- Peace (Friday)
- Economics (Oct. 13)
Each Nobel laureate receives a diploma, medal, and a share of the 11 million Swedish kronor ($1.2 million) prize. The formal ceremony will take place Dec. 10 in Stockholm, commemorating Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.
The Broader Impact
The laureates’ pioneering research continues to influence scientists worldwide as the quantum revolution accelerates. From efforts to develop quantum internet networks to breakthroughs in secure communication, their discoveries remain central to the next wave of digital transformation.
“This Nobel is not just about physics,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s about how understanding nature’s smallest mysteries leads to the biggest innovations.”
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