Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling Wins 2025 Physics Nobel

Paris, France – The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded for groundbreaking work on macroscopic quantum tunneling, a phenomenon that has profound implications for quantum computing. Physicist Julien Bobroff from Université Paris-Saclay lauded the decision, explaining that the laureates successfully demonstrated quantum tunneling on a scale visible to the naked eye. "This is one of the most beautiful quantum effects that exist," Bobroff stated in a recent video, highlighting the bizarre nature of particles passing through seemingly impenetrable barriers. The research involves creating special electrical circuits using superconductors, which exhibit quantum properties at larger scales. These circuits effectively behave as "giant artificial atoms," thousands of times larger than normal atoms, and are crucial components in advanced quantum computers developed by entities like Google and IBM. Bobroff also noted a personal connection to one of the laureates, Michel Devoret, whom he had interviewed years prior. Devoret's work, initially conducted during a postdoc in the United States, was further developed in France at the CEA on the Saclay plateau. Bobroff emphasized the importance of France's sustained investment in fundamental research, citing the permanent research positions that allowed such long-term, foundational technological development. "The Nobel Prize today is also a way of saying that we must not lose this," he concluded, underscoring the value of national research infrastructure in fostering scientific breakthroughs.

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