John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Quantum Mechanics Innovations
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis receive the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking research on quantum mechanics in electrical circuits, highlighting lasting impact on technology and future quantum innovations.
- • The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits.
- • Their work contributes to practical quantum effects in macroscopic systems and modern technologies such as smartphones.
- • Olle Eriksson, chairman of the Nobel Committee, highlighted quantum mechanics’ century-long impact and ongoing technological relevance.
- • The laureates' discoveries are expected to influence quantum computers, cryptography, and sensors developments.
Key details
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their pioneering work on macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced this accolade during a press conference, highlighting the trio's experiments that demonstrated practical quantum mechanical effects within small, electrically-based systems.
Their groundbreaking research, primarily conducted at Berkeley University during the 1980s, revealed how quantum mechanics operates at macroscopic scales, an achievement that has paved the way for modern technological advancements. Their discoveries are fundamental to innovations found in everyday technology, such as smartphones, and are expected to drive the development of next-generation quantum technologies including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and high-precision quantum sensors.
Olle Eriksson, chairman of the Nobel Committee for Physics, emphasized the continuing impact of quantum mechanics over the past century: "It's fantastic to celebrate that a hundred-year-old quantum mechanics continues to offer new surprises and remains incredibly useful in high technology." The recipients will also be honored with gold medals as part of the prize.
John Clarke reflected on their work's lasting influence, expressing amazement at how foundational quantum mechanical principles once explored at a small scale have become integral to modern electronic devices.
This year's award stands as a testament to the enduring significance of quantum mechanics and its expanding role in both theoretical physics and practical applications across technology sectors.
As the scientific community celebrates this milestone, the prize highlights not only past achievements but also the promising future of quantum technology developments inspired by these three laureates' seminal contributions.