The Nobel Prize has been awarded to three scientists for quantum physics
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In science, quantum mechanics is a field that deals with the behavior of atoms and subatomic particles. Right now, quantum physicists are really interested in the theory of quantum entanglement, which explores how particles that have traveled far apart can still communicate and act in coordination with one another. These particles can be super far apart, even on opposite sides of a solar system.
Yesterday, the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger for their experiments on quantum entanglement. The three were able to show that quantum entanglement is real and not just a theory, and they tested its limits. With their work, we can now find real-world applications for quantum tech and cryptography. This kind of thing is important because it can help us progress in areas like vaccines and weather prediction.
Key comments:
“[The prize winners] laid the foundation for a new era of quantum technology,” said the Nobel Committee for Physics.
“It’s not just this theory to explain all the counterintuitive nature of the quantum world. It showed that by measuring some of the predictions we can engage in applications like quantum computing and quantum cryptography,” said Michael Moloney, CEO of the American Institute of Physics, to CNN.
“I have to say I was always interested in quantum mechanics from the first moment I heard about it. I was struck by the theoretical predictions that did not fit the usual intuition one might have,” said Anton Zeilinger. “I’m curious to what we will see in the next 10 or 20 years.”
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