The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday, October 7, to John Clarke (University of California, Berkeley), 83; Michel Devoret (Yale University and University of California, Santa Barbara), 72; and John Martinis (University of California, Santa Barbara), 67. In the 1980s, the three physicists discovered macroscopic quantum tunneling, which paved the way for vast new fields of application. Le Monde spoke with Devoret after the announcement.

Because of the time difference, I woke up in Santa Barbara to find that my phone and computer were buzzing. At first, I thought it was a prank. Then my daughter in Paris confirmed that it was true. I was very surprised. I hadn't realized it was Nobel season because I currently have three jobs. I am building a new research team here in Santa Barbara. I still have some ongoing activities at Yale University. Finally, I am an adviser on quantum technology at Google. Needless to say, I wasn't thinking about the Nobel Prize.

The surprise also came from thinking that, to reward work done 40 years ago, there would need to be technological reasons, applications. But the quantum computer is not here yet. The jury instead recognized the fundamental work that led to the growth of developments around these machines. So, of course, I am deeply honored and I think of all my colleagues who contributed to this prize.

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