The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Serge Haroche of Collège de France and Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, France, and David J. Wineland of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and University of Colorado Boulder, Colo., USA "for groundbreaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems."
In the quantum world, the general understanding is that to measure a single quantum particle will destroy that particle. These two researchers took different approaches to solve this unique quantum problem, and their efforts have resulted in direct observation of single quantum particles without destroying them.
Haroche's method required trapping photons—individual particles of light—and measuring their quantum properties by sending atoms through the trap. Wineland approached the problem from the other direction, trapping electrically charged atoms and measuring their properties with light particles. The results of their work have led to highly precise atomic clocks and provides a foundation that may one day make quantum computing a reality.
AIP's Charles Blue talks about the science behind the Prize
Quote from Dr. H. Frederick Dylla, Executive Director and CEO
“This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics shines light on two groundbreaking advances in quantum physics. By measuring and manipulating both light and individual atoms, these researchers have opened the door for new investigations into the previously enigmatic and unwieldy world of quantum particles, where matter behaves in ways that are quite different from what we see in classical physics. We are beginning to harness the incredible power of quantum physics to advance technology, computers, timekeeping, cryptography, and many other innovations that have yet to be imagined.”
Quote from John Haynes, Vice President, Publishing
“The works by Serge Haroche and David Wineland are among the most influential research endeavors of modern physics. Together they have provided new investigational tools for researchers and established a foundation to understand the relationships between matter and light at the smallest of scales. Quantum mechanics was once just theory and philosophy, but through this work and the ongoing research of others, we are now testing, manipulating, and building upon these scientific principles.”
Discover every article that AIP has published from these Nobel Laureates
All AIP journal content is free through the month of October. AIP journal content written by the 2012 Nobel Laureates in Physics is free until December 31, 2012.
Atomic ion crystals in non-neutral plasmas
J. J. Bollinger, T. B. Mitchell, X.-P. Huang, W. M. Itano, J. N. Tan, B. M. Jelenkovic, and D. J. Wineland AIP Conf. Proc.477, 87 (1999)
Quantum logic with a few trapped ions
C. Monroe, W. M. Itano, D. Kielpinski, B. E. King, D. Leibfried, C. J. Myatt, Q. A. Turchette, D. J. Wineland, and C. S. Wood AIP Conf. Proc.457, 378 (1999)
Crystalline order in strongly coupled plasmas
J. J. Bollinger, T. B. Mitchell, X.-P. Huang, W. M. Itano, J. N. Tan, B. M. Jelenkovic, and D. J. Wineland AIP Conf. Proc.457, 295 (1999)
Liquid and solid atomic ion plasmas
J. J. Bollinger, S. L. Gilbert, D. J. Heinzen, W. M. Itano, and D. J. Wineland AIP Conf. Proc.206, 152 (1990)
Liquid and solid ion plasmas
D. J. Wineland, Wayne M. Itano, J. C. Bergquist, S. L. Gilbert, J. J. Bollinger, and F. Ascarrunz AIP Conf. Proc.175, 93 (1988)
Deterministic Entanglement of Two Trapped Ions
Q. A. Turchette, C. S. Wood, B. E. King, C. J. Myatt, D. Leibfried, W. M. Itano, C. Monroe, and D. J. Wineland Phys. Rev. Lett.81, 3631 (1998)
More images of David J. Wineland and Serge Haroche can be found in the Emilio Segrè Visual Archives. Please note that The Emilio Segrè Visual Archives provides low-res copies of these images free of charge for educational purposes only and does not claim copyright. It is advised that you review our entire Use Policy when using these images.
Journalists are welcome to use AIP's W.F. Meggers Gallery of Nobel Laureates, which contains a collection of all the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physics up to 2010, as well as physicists who have received a Nobel Prize in other areas (e.g. Chemistry or Peace).
