2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for macroscale quantum tunneling

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John Martinis for their groundbreaking work in developing an electrical circuit-based oscillator on a microchip that demonstrated macroscale quantum tunneling. The three scientists, working independently, created a novel device that exploited quantum mechanical phenomena at a larger scale than previously observed. Their work challenged the traditional understanding of quantum effects, which were typically confined to the microscopic realm. The award-winning oscillator operated on the principles of quantum tunneling, allowing electrons to pass through potential energy barriers that would typically be insurmountable in classical physics. This macroscale quantum behavior was a significant advancement in the field of quantum mechanics and had far-reaching implications for the development of new quantum-based technologies. The Nobel Committee recognized the profound impact of this research, which has opened up new avenues for exploring and harnessing quantum phenomena at larger scales, paving the way for future breakthroughs in fields such as quantum computing, communications, and sensing.