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Clarke, Devoret and Martinis Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Macroscopic Quantum Tunnelling

Their 1980s Josephson-junction experiments brought quantum behavior into chip-scale circuits, laying groundwork for quantum computing, cryptography and sensing.

The trio were won the Nobel for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.
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FILE - A Nobel Prize medal is displayed before a ceremony at the Swedish Ambassador's Residence in London, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
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Overview

  • The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited “the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.”
  • In 1984–85 the trio used superconducting Josephson junctions to show tunnelling and discrete energy levels in a circuit large enough to hold in the hand.
  • John Clarke (UC Berkeley), Michel H. Devoret (Yale/UC Santa Barbara) and John M. Martinis (UC Santa Barbara) will share 11 million Swedish kronor, with medals presented in Stockholm on December 10.
  • Clarke called the notification “the surprise of my life” and praised his co-laureates’ contributions during the announcement.
  • The Nobel committee said the work continues to enable next‑generation quantum technologies, and reporting notes Devoret and Martinis have had roles with Google Quantum AI.