Three scientists, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis, have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work on quantum mechanical tunneling, demonstrating that quantum phenomena can occur in macroscopic electrical circuits.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honored the trio for the “discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit.” Their research, spanning from the 1980s onward, used superconducting circuits and Josephson junctions to show that electrons can tunnel through barriers and exist in quantized energy states, even in devices visible to the naked eye.

This work bridges the gap between microscopic and macroscopic worlds, showing that quantum effects are not limited to atoms and particles. Their discoveries have become foundational for modern quantum technologies, particularly superconducting qubits, which are central to quantum computing and advanced sensing applications.

The Nobel Prize, with a total award sum of 11 million Swedish kronor, will be shared among Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis. In statements following the announcement, Clarke described the award as a surprise and reflected on how their research underpins technologies in everyday life, including mobile devices.