Nobel Prize Also Recognizes the Dawn of the 'Quantum Era' [Reading Science]

2022 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded Jointly to Three Scientists for Demonstrating Principles of Quantum Computers
Recognition for Proving 'Quantum Entanglement,' Once a Mathematical Formula, Through Real-World Experiments

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "They have opened a new path for technology based on quantum information."

On the afternoon of the 4th (Korean time), the Nobel Committee of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences evaluated the three quantum physicists selected as the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics laureates. The committee announced the awardees as Alain Aspect (75), professor at Paris-Saclay University, France; John F. Clauser (80), former professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA; and Anton Zeilinger (77), professor at the University of Vienna, Austria, who experimentally demonstrated the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, the greatest challenge in quantum physics.

Experts analyze that this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics selection is significant in that the world’s most prestigious Nobel Prize recognized the opening of the "quantum era," which is now becoming full-fledged worldwide, as the committee stated. Quantum physics was founded in the 1900s by Albert Einstein and others, and was established in the 1920s by the so-called Copenhagen School, including Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. Quantum physics studies the properties of the quantum, the smallest fundamental unit in the material world. Unlike classical mechanics, quantum theory posits that quanta simultaneously have particle and wave properties, and their properties are not determined before observation (quantum superposition). Two correlated quanta, no matter how far apart, have their properties determined simultaneously upon observation (quantum entanglement). To date, quantum physics largely remains at the level of thought experiments like the well-known "Schr?dinger’s cat" or mathematical equations such as Bell’s inequality.

The laureates were recognized for proving in reality the theory of quantum entanglement, which even Einstein refused to accept due to the "uncertainty" that could not be logically explained. Clauser conducted experiments in the 1970s to prove Bell’s inequality, succeeding despite some loopholes, and Aspect supplemented this work. Zeilinger demonstrated quantum teleportation (information transfer) using the principles of quantum entanglement in a modern and precise experimental setup in 1997. Previously, in 2012, American physicist David Wineland (78) and Moroccan-born French physicist Serge Haroche (78) were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their achievements in realizing quantum superposition states and discovering the potential for quantum computer development. Professor Cho Dong-hyun of Korea University explained, "These are people who realized and proved what even Einstein doubted, asking ‘Could such a thing exist in the world?’ They were recognized for completing the theoretical foundation of quantum information communication."

As these experiments have proven and refined the theories of quantum mechanics, the quantum era is opening with quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum information communication. Google in the United States is currently operating a 100-qubit quantum computer and plans to develop the "ultimate computer" capable of self-error correction by the 2030s. China is also pushing forward its "quantum rise" by launching the Mozi satellite in 2016 to accelerate the development of quantum information communication technology. Zeilinger’s disciple Pan Jianwei has returned to lead quantum physics research. South Korea recently announced plans to leap into the "top four quantum powers" by building a 50-qubit system by 2026. Telecommunications companies such as KT, SK Telecom, and LGU+ have recently begun quantum-resistant cryptography services and are actively developing quantum information communication technologies.

Professor Jung Yeon-wook of Sungkyunkwan University said, "(The laureates) have not yet done anything practically useful like making machines or products, but just as the transistor was invented in 1948 but only received a Nobel Prize in 1972, this shows that the world has recognized the importance of quantum entanglement." Choi Jong-bo, head of LGU+’s Wired Communication Convergence Business Team, added, "Quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant cryptography using quantum entanglement are national projects supported by the government, and telecommunications companies are intensively researching and developing technologies and services in this field. The selection of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics reflects the process of proving and refining the theories necessary to develop new technologies and services."