Three professors affiliated with the University of California have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work in quantum tunneling and superconducting qubits. John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis are recognized for their pioneering experiments that have laid the foundation for modern quantum computing.
Discovery of Quantum Tunneling
The concept of quantum tunneling, where particles pass through solid barriers, was extensively studied in the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that significant advancements were made. In their experiments during 1984 and 1985, Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis successfully demonstrated quantum tunneling on a larger scale using a superconducting electrical circuit. This circuit was sizable enough to be held in one hand.
Impact on Quantum Computing
This discovery has been instrumental in the development of quantum computers, which dramatically outperform traditional computing systems. Unlike classical bits, which represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum bits (qubits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. This enables quantum computers to conduct numerous calculations at once, holding immense potential for various applications, from drug discovery to cryptography.
Challenges of Quantum States
While quantum computers promise exciting possibilities, they also face significant challenges. Quantum states are sensitive to disturbances such as heat, light, or motion. Thus, most current quantum computers utilize superconducting qubits kept at temperatures near absolute zero, isolating them from external disturbances.
Contributions of the Nobel Laureates
- John Clarke: A UC Berkeley faculty member since 1969, retired in 2010. Known for developing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and for his contributions to various fields including geophysics and biosensors.
- Michel Devoret: earned his Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from the University of Paris and served as the head of the Quantronics Group at CEA-Saclay. Currently a faculty member at UC Santa Barbara and Chief Scientist at Google Quantum AI.
- John Martinis: Completed his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley under Clarke, has worked with Google Quantum AI, and recently co-founded Qolab, focusing on quantum computing technology.
A Historic Achievement
The award marks the second occasion that three University of California faculty members have won a Nobel Prize in the same category. In 1995, three professors from UC Irvine were honored for their findings related to ozone-depleting chemicals.
The 2025 Nobel Prize celebrates not only the winners’ contributions but also the ongoing legacy of quantum mechanics, which continues to shape modern technology and understanding.
As stated by Nobel Committee Chair Olle Eriksson, the century-old principles of quantum mechanics continue to yield surprising discoveries. With the next 100 years ahead, the implications of quantum technologies are profound and multifaceted.
