Quantum Experiments That Reached a Human Scale
Key Vocabulary
quantum
superconductor
tunnelling
📖 Article
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. They showed that quantum effects can appear in an electrical circuit that is big enough to hold in the hand. Their experiments used superconductors and a Josephson junction to make those effects visible.
The award was for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit. The prize was announced on 7 October 2025. The prize will be shared and the total amount is 11 million Swedish kronor. Many people hope these ideas will lead to useful machines soon.
❓ Quiz
💬 Discussion
Do you think new science discoveries matter in your daily life? Why?
Have you ever used a device that might use advanced physics, like an MRI or a smartphone? What was the device?
What do you think when you hear the word 'quantum'? Is it exciting or hard to understand?