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Quantum Pioneers Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis Win Nobel Prize

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Their experiments demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantization in electrical circuits in the 1980s.
Clarke said he was surprised by the award and noted its impact.
The prize totals 11 million Swedish kronor and will be presented on December 10, 2025, in Stockholm.

History

Historical Context

In the 1980s, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis conducted pivotal experiments on macroscopic quantum tunneling, building on earlier discoveries like Leo Esaki's 1957 invention of the tunnel diode. Their work earned recognition from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, emphasizing the profound impact of quantum mechanics on modern technology, particularly in computing and telecommunications.

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Story summary

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Their experiments demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantization in electrical circuits in the 1980s.
Clarke said he was surprised by the award and noted its impact.
The prize totals 11 million Swedish kronor and will be presented on December 10, 2025, in Stockholm.

1 / 2