The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Tuesday announced that the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 has been awarded to John Clarke of the University of California, Berkeley, Michel H. Devoret of Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, and John M. Martinis of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The trio was recognised for their pioneering work “for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit,” a breakthrough that has significantly advanced the understanding of quantum phenomena on a human scale.
The laureates’ work addresses a fundamental question in physics: whether quantum mechanical effects, typically observed at the atomic or particle level, can manifest in larger, tangible systems. During the 1980s, Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis conducted a series of groundbreaking experiments using superconducting circuits equipped with Josephson junctions, which consist of a superconductor separated by a thin insulating layer.
By passing an electric current through a sophisticated chip, they meticulously studied how the collective charge in these circuits behaved not as individual particles but as a single, macroscopic quantum object.
Their experiments demonstrated a remarkable phenomenon: the circuit, despite being large enough to be seen and held, exhibited quantum tunnelling. This process allows a quantum system to pass through a barrier rather than surmounting it, defying classical physics. Additionally, the team proved that the energy states of their circuit were quantised, meaning the circuit could only absorb or emit energy in discrete amounts, aligning with the predictions of quantum theory.
These discoveries extended quantum physics from the realm of the ultra-small to engineered devices, fundamentally reshaping scientific understanding and opening new avenues in technology. The work of Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis has had a profound impact, rewriting physics textbooks and sparking advancements in quantum technology. Their findings have direct applications in the development of quantum computers, cryptographic systems, and ultra-sensitive quantum sensors, which are poised to revolutionise various fields.
Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, praised the laureates’ contributions, stating, “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises.”
He highlighted the significance of their work for both fundamental science and the future of digital technology. The legacy of their discoveries is evident in modern transistors and microchips, which form the backbone of today’s technological landscape, and their research lays the groundwork for quantum computers capable of solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical machines.
When asked about receiving the Nobel Prize, Professor John Clarke, speaking over the phone, expressed his astonishment, saying, “It is a surprise of a lifetime, to put it lightly.” The recognition of Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis underscores their transformative contributions to quantum physics and their role in paving the way for next-generation technologies that promise to redefine the boundaries of innovation.
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