2025 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded for Breakthrough in Quantum Tunneling
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (October 15, 2025) - The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced today that the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis "for the discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in an electrical circuit." The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work, which has paved the way for the development of next-generation quantum technology.
The three laureates will share the 1.1 million Swedish kronor (approximately $125,000) prize money, with the presentation ceremony scheduled to take place on December 10, 2025, in Stockholm. In a phone interview with reporters, Clarke expressed his surprise and gratitude for the recognition: "To put it mildly, it was the surprise of my life... Our discovery in some ways is the basis of quantum computing. Exactly at this moment where this fits in is not entirely clear to me. One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work."
The Nobel committee highlighted the significance of the laureates' work, stating it provides opportunities for the development of "quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors." This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various fields, including information technology, medicine, and materials science.
Quantum tunneling, a phenomenon where particles can pass through solid barriers, was first observed in subatomic particles in the early 20th century. However, the discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling by Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis marked a significant milestone in understanding this phenomenon at a larger scale.
"This achievement is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of scientific collaboration," said Dr. Maria Zuber, Director-General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). "The discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling has opened up new avenues for research and innovation, with potential applications in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and sensing."
As the world celebrates this groundbreaking achievement, researchers and scientists are already exploring its implications. The laureates' work is expected to have a profound impact on various industries, from information technology to medicine.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics is a significant recognition of the contributions made by Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis to our understanding of quantum mechanics. Their discovery has paved the way for further research and innovation, with far-reaching consequences for humanity's technological advancement.
Background:
Quantum tunneling was first observed in subatomic particles in the early 20th century. However, the discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling by Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis marked a significant milestone in understanding this phenomenon at a larger scale.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics annually since 1901 to recognize outstanding contributions to physics research.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Brian Greene, Theoretical Physicist at Columbia University, stated: "This achievement is a testament to human curiosity and the power of scientific inquiry... The discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling has opened up new avenues for research and innovation."
Dr. Lisa Randall, Theoretical Physicist at Harvard University, added: "The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching... We can expect significant advancements in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and sensing."
Current Status and Next Developments:
The presentation ceremony for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics is scheduled to take place on December 10, 2025, in Stockholm. The laureates will share the prize money, with plans to continue their research and explore the implications of their discovery.
As researchers and scientists continue to build upon this breakthrough, the world can expect significant advancements in various fields, from information technology to medicine.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*