Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to quantum pioneers

In a boost to the profile of quantum computing, the Nobel Prize Committee has awarded this year’s Physics prize to three pioneers in the field of quantum research: John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis, “for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit”.

This was a significant development. It had long been recognized that quantum mechanics would allow a particle to move straight through a barrier, using this tunneling process. However, once large numbers of particles were sent through the barrier, it had not been possible to see any quantum mechanical effects. The prizewinners’ experiments changed all that: it showed that such properties could be observed on a larger scale. However, “macroscopic” in quantum terms still means a system that is small enough to be hand held.

In a statement, the Nobel committee said “The transistors in computer microchips are one example of the established quantum technology that surrounds us. This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors.”

While this work was ground-breaking at the time, since it was originally carried out in 1984 and 1985 at the University of California at Berkeley, and has only just been recognized by the Nobel Prize Committee, it does not reflect the latest state-of-the-art research in the field of quantum mechanics. However, as the committee pointed out, its findings have had important implications within the computing sector.

It’s the second year that the Nobel Prize Committee has had developments in information technology in its sights. This award follows the 2024 Prize in Physics awarded to Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield for their work in neural networks and machine learning.

Quantum impact in computing today

While this year’s prize may be rewarding research work that was carried out 40 years ago, it’s a reminder of the impact that quantum is starting to have on the world of computing. The award has certainly tapped into the zeitgeist: last December, the United Nations decreed that 2025 would be the year of quantum science. And there are plenty of examples of companies looking to bring the technology to market, even if widespread use of quantum is some way in the future.

For example, earlier this year we saw IBM team up with AMD to explore possibilities for quantum research, and Microsoft has also been active in developing scalable quantum technology. And just last week, HSBC used IBM processors to show that quantum has a part to play in automated trading, with the bank expected to develop the concept further after a successful trial.

Quantum, along with AI, is also an important part of the UK’s Digital Plan.

However, some industry experts have commented on the timeline for practical quantum computing, pointing out that, despite the advances, we are still a long way from the technology becoming a reality for most organizations.

In addition, there are concerns that further development of the technology will have some deleterious effects. IT security specialists have warned that quantum computing could provide cyber criminals with a new weapon.Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to quantum pioneers – ComputerworldRead More