Score:
6.5/10
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Topper’s Copy
GS3
Science & Technology
10 marks
Discuss the significance of demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions in advancing the field of quantum computing and modern electronics.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Explain the significance of macroscopic quantum tunneling demonstration through Josephson junctions
- Link this demonstration to advances in quantum computing
- Connect the demonstration to developments in modern electronics
What you wrote:
Recently Nobel prize in physics, 2025 was awarded for the demonstration of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions.
Macroscopic quantum tunnelling is the phenomenon where cooper pairs of electrons (current) can tunnel across a barrier (insulator). This was demonstrated using Josephson junctions where two superconductors separated by a thin insulating layer.
Recently Nobel prize in physics, 2025 was awarded for the demonstration of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions.
Macroscopic quantum tunnelling is the phenomenon where cooper pairs of electrons (current) can tunnel across a barrier (insulator). This was demonstrated using Josephson junctions where two superconductors separated by a thin insulating layer.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can enhance the introduction by briefly mentioning the fundamental difference between microscopic and macroscopic quantum tunneling (e.g., quantum effects usually limited to atomic scales, but Josephson junctions demonstrate quantum behavior at visible scales)
What you wrote:
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DEMONSTRATION
1. Superconducting qubits - Quantum computing:
Josephson junctions enable stable and controllable qubits allowing the creation of superconducting processors.
→ IBM's Eagle (127 qubits), Google's Sycamore (53 qubits)
2. High-precision Quantum Sensors: Used for detecting weaker magnetic fields in brain imaging, spacecraft navigation systems.
→ Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) can sense magnetic fields 100 billion times weaker than fridge magnet.
3. Energy efficient Superconducting electronics:
Josephson based circuits allow near-zero energy loss and ultra fast cryogenic computing.
→ The Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic uses Josephson junctions for ultrafast low power computation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DEMONSTRATION
1. Superconducting qubits - Quantum computing:
Josephson junctions enable stable and controllable qubits allowing the creation of superconducting processors.
→ IBM's Eagle (127 qubits), Google's Sycamore (53 qubits)
2. High-precision Quantum Sensors: Used for detecting weaker magnetic fields in brain imaging, spacecraft navigation systems.
→ Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) can sense magnetic fields 100 billion times weaker than fridge magnet.
3. Energy efficient Superconducting electronics:
Josephson based circuits allow near-zero energy loss and ultra fast cryogenic computing.
→ The Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic uses Josephson junctions for ultrafast low power computation.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can elaborate on how Josephson junctions enable quantum error correction (e.g., through parity measurements and stabilizer codes in superconducting quantum circuits)
- Could include emerging applications like quantum memory devices (e.g., recent developments in quantum RAM using Josephson junction arrays)
- Can mention the role in quantum-classical interface development (e.g., Josephson junction-based quantum-to-classical signal converters)
What you wrote:
4. India's Opportunities and Challenges: Under the Rs. 6000/- crore National Quantum mission (2023-31), India is developing qubits at IIT Madras, IISc. Though limited cryogenic and fabrication infrastructure remains a key hurdle.
The discovery of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions bridged the classical-quantum divide, revolutionizing quantum computing, sensing and precision electronics. This empowers India's National Quantum mission to advance indigenous quantum hardware, cryogenic research and global technological collaboration.
4. India's Opportunities and Challenges: Under the Rs. 6000/- crore National Quantum mission (2023-31), India is developing qubits at IIT Madras, IISc. Though limited cryogenic and fabrication infrastructure remains a key hurdle.
The discovery of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions bridged the classical-quantum divide, revolutionizing quantum computing, sensing and precision electronics. This empowers India's National Quantum mission to advance indigenous quantum hardware, cryogenic research and global technological collaboration.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could emphasize future prospects more specifically (e.g., potential breakthroughs in room-temperature quantum computing through advanced Josephson junction designs)
- Can highlight the role in achieving quantum supremacy (e.g., how improved Josephson junction designs could help achieve million-qubit processors)
Marks: 6.5/10
Demand of the Question
- Explain the significance of macroscopic quantum tunneling demonstration through Josephson junctions
- Link this demonstration to advances in quantum computing
- Connect the demonstration to developments in modern electronics
What you wrote:
Recently Nobel prize in physics, 2025 was awarded for the demonstration of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions.
Macroscopic quantum tunnelling is the phenomenon where cooper pairs of electrons (current) can tunnel across a barrier (insulator). This was demonstrated using Josephson junctions where two superconductors separated by a thin insulating layer.
Recently Nobel prize in physics, 2025 was awarded for the demonstration of macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions.
Macroscopic quantum tunnelling is the phenomenon where cooper pairs of electrons (current) can tunnel across a barrier (insulator). This was demonstrated using Josephson junctions where two superconductors separated by a thin insulating layer.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can enhance the introduction by briefly mentioning the fundamental difference between microscopic and macroscopic quantum tunneling (e.g., quantum effects usually limited to atomic scales, but Josephson junctions demonstrate quantum behavior at visible scales)
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