An experimental physicist whose circuit-quantum research connects macroscopic quantum behavior with superconducting qubit designs, including collaborative development of the charge-noise-resistant transmon.
University of California, Santa BarbaraarXiv / Physical Review ADevoret’s work links foundational tests of quantum mechanics in electrical circuits with the engineering of superconducting quantum processors. His early experiments with John Clarke and John Martinis established macroscopic quantum behavior in circuit systems. Later collaborative work contributed to the transmon qubit. That path matters because building a processor requires both confidence in the underlying physical system and designs that reduce its sensitivity to environmental disturbances while preserving control.
University of California, Santa BarbaraarXiv / Physical Review AThe work behind the recognition
Work, in context- 1980s
Quantum behavior in electrical circuits
Working with John Clarke and John Martinis, Devoret contributed to experiments on macroscopic quantum tunneling and quantized energy levels in electrical circuits. UC Santa Barbara identifies these experiments as the work recognized by their shared 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Experimental collaborator with John Clarke and John Martinis; the contribution and Nobel recognition are shared.
Source-supported recordUniversity of California, Santa Barbara - 2007
The transmon design
Devoret coauthored the transmon proposal, a superconducting-qubit design that reduces sensitivity to charge noise. The result was a joint theoretical effort involving researchers working across circuit design, control and quantum electrodynamics.
Coauthor of the collaborative transmon design proposal.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Physical Review A
Keep in perspective
His former Yale professorship is not presented as his current primary position.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Quantum behavior in electrical circuits
Michel Devoret
Supports: Current UCSB and Google roles; circuit experiments and 2025 Nobel recognition.
Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Experimental collaborator with John Clarke and John Martinis; the contribution and Nobel recognition are shared.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum behavior in electrical circuits1980s | Institutional recordMichel Devoret Current UCSB and Google roles; circuit experiments and 2025 Nobel recognition. Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Experimental collaborator with John Clarke and John Martinis; the contribution and Nobel recognition are shared. |
| The transmon design2007 | Primary paperCharge-insensitive qubit design derived from the Cooper pair box Devoret coauthorship and charge-noise-resistant transmon design. Published 1 Mar 2007 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthor of the collaborative transmon design proposal. |
Follow the evidence
2 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- University of California, Santa BarbaraInstitutional record
Michel Devoret
Current UCSB and Google roles; circuit experiments and 2025 Nobel recognition.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / Physical Review APrimary paper
Charge-insensitive qubit design derived from the Cooper pair box
Devoret coauthorship and charge-noise-resistant transmon design.
Published 1 Mar 2007 · Checked 19 Sept 2026