The Nobel Prize for physics is awarded for discoveries in quantum mechanical tunneling

"John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday for research into quantum mechanical tunneling. Clarke conducted his research at the University of California, Berkeley; Martinis at the University of California, Santa Barbara; and Devoret at Yale and also at the University of California, Santa Barbara. "To put it mildly, it was the surprise of my life," Clarke told reporters at the announcement by phone after being told of his win."

"The Nobel committee said that the laureates' work provides opportunities to develop "the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors." "It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology," said Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics."

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Nobel Prize in Physics for research into quantum mechanical tunneling. Clarke conducted research at the University of California, Berkeley; Martinis at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Devoret at Yale and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Clarke called the prize a surprise and praised his co-laureates, noting their contributions as overwhelming and linking the discovery to the basis of quantum computing and even cellphone functionality. The Nobel Committee said the work enables development of quantum cryptography, quantum computers and quantum sensors. The prize marks the 119th awarding and followed recent Nobel announcements in medicine, with upcoming announcements in chemistry, literature, peace and economics.

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