Michel Devoret, a recent recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, shared reflections on his remarkable career, tracing his journey from early engineering projects to his current work in quantum research. Devoret, who is a professor emeritus in applied physics at Yale University, received the prestigious award alongside colleagues John Clarke and John Martinis for their groundbreaking work in demonstrating quantum phenomena at a macroscopic scale during the 1980s at the University of California, Berkeley.
On September 30, while in Santa Barbara, Devoret learned of his Nobel win, initially suspecting it might be a prank due to the sudden influx of notifications on his devices. Despite the overwhelming media attention following the announcement, he emphasized the significance of the recognition for the field of quantum physics and its many contributors over the years.
Devoret expressed gratitude for sharing the honor with Clarke and Martinis, noting, “I am also very pleased to receive it with two other colleagues that I hold in great, great esteem.” His colleagues at Yale praised his collaborative spirit and insightful approach to research. Rob Schoelkopf, a fellow professor of applied physics, remarked on the joy of discussing physics and generating new ideas with Devoret, while Steven Girvin, a professor of physics, highlighted Devoret”s clarity in research direction.
Devoret”s fascination with science began in his childhood in France, where he developed an interest in electronics and electrical circuits. He humorously described himself as a “nerd” and recalled participating in a high school club that built rockets, a formative experience that introduced him to foundational research principles through experimentation.
Though he once considered a career in biochemistry, Devoret found the tactile experiences in physics more compelling, leading him to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the École nationale supérieure des télécommunications, now known as Télécom Paris. He noted that the French education system aimed to ensure students gained employable skills through applied degrees.
Devoret”s career spans over 25 years in a French government research lab before he transitioned to academia in the United States, where he joined Yale and later moved to Santa Barbara. Throughout his journey, he has distilled important lessons about teamwork and the importance of recognizing when to move on from projects that are not progressing.
As an educator, he encourages graduate students to learn from both their own and others” mistakes to foster growth and emphasizes the importance of meticulousness in research presentations. Devoret believes that research should be problem-oriented rather than tool-driven, a philosophy that guides his current studies in quantum sensing and collaboration with tech firms as they navigate the quantum landscape.
Looking ahead, he acknowledged the unpredictability of forecasting technological advancements but remains optimistic about the future of quantum technology, observing that the field has attracted significant interest and contributions from numerous researchers.
Devoret has been a professor at Yale since 2002, and his ongoing work continues to impact the evolution of quantum physics.
