The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their groundbreaking experiments that unveiled quantum behavior in macroscopic electrical circuits. The Nobel committee said the experiments displayed that “the bizarre properties of the quantum world can be made concrete in a system big enough to be held in a hand.” Their experiments have paved the way for the development of quantum computers, which will revolutionize technology in the near future.

What exactly is “quantum”? 

In physics, the term “quantum” refers to the smallest possible units of energy or matter. The tiny scale makes the rules of the universe act much differently than what we see every day. Particles can be in two places at once and even affect each other instantly across long distances. This is what physicists call “quantum mechanics”, which is what the three Nobel laureates showcased in circuits that were large enough to see.

Why is this important? 

This research has the ability to change the way that we interact with technology. These discoveries could make the internet more secure and speed up artificial intelligence. Quantum computers excel at specific tasks like optimizing systems and simulating molecules, which would take years for traditional computers to accomplish.

What is the prize?

The Nobel Prize comes with a gold medal and 11 million Swedish kronor (~1 Million USD) split among the winners.

Discoveries made by these physicists will bring us closer to inventing the future.

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay