Last year’s physics prize went to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis for their discovery of quantum mechanical tunneling. This discovery could lead to faster quantum computers and quantum sensors in the future.
Quantum physics is also among this year’s predictions. On the Physics Forums website, for example, Alexei Kitaev, David Deutsch and Peter Shor are mentioned. They have contributed in various ways to the theoretical foundations of quantum algorithms and certain quantum computers.
Another possibility is the Chinese physicist Xue Qikun, who is researching the quantum anomalous Hall effect. His research focuses on insulators and developing electronic transport without resistance, as well as future quantum electronics.
Displays far ahead
Another area of physics that has been tipped is displays. Researchers have contributed to the development of modern and energy-efficient displays using quantum electronics. Clarivate, a website that publishes an annual list of possible candidates, mentions the Japanese researcher Chihaya Adachi and the Americans Stephen R. Forrest and Mark E. Thompson.
Discoveries in metamaterials could also be a good fit. These are artificial materials made up of microscopic structures that give them properties not found in nature. They could be used, among other things, to make superlenses that make it possible to see details at the molecular level using ordinary light.
Mostly men
Historically, Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry, and physiology or medicine have most often been men from Europe or North America whose names begin with A or J. That is according to the journal Nature, which reviewed all laureates a couple of years ago.
We will know the answer at 11:45, when the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announces the winner.
The Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry, as well as the recipients of the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, are selected by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
The medicine laureates are selected by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute, and the Swedish Academy decides who will receive the Literature Prize.
Each of these institutions has a Nobel committee, which conducts extensive investigations into a selection of nominees each year. Nominees are put forward by people who are specially designated to make nominations. These include researchers, former laureates and members of the Academy. The committees submit a proposal to the relevant awarding institution, which then votes on the laureate for the year.
For the Peace Prize, the Norwegian parliament appoints the members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is responsible for both the investigative work and the decision on the prize.
Source: Nobel Foundation
