As the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology nears its end, the field has witnessed significant advancements in 2025. Researchers across the globe have made remarkable strides, showcasing groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of quantum physics. Here are some of the most notable achievements from this year.
Exploring Negative Time in Photon Interactions
In a fascinating development, physicists led by experimentalist Aephraim Steinberg from the University of Toronto, along with theorist Howard Wiseman from Griffith University in Australia, delved into the concept of “negative time.” This research demonstrated how it can describe the average duration a photon spends in an excited atomic state. While experts advise caution in interpreting “negative time” literally, it highlights intriguing phenomena occurring in systems of ultracold rubidium atoms.
Introducing QNodeOS for Quantum Networks
In April 2025, a significant milestone was achieved with the introduction of QNodeOS, an operating system developed by Stephanie Wehner and colleagues at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Designed to enhance accessibility to quantum computing, QNodeOS caters to the vast majority of users who lack in-depth knowledge of quantum information processors. This operating system also facilitates communication between classical and quantum machines, accommodating various qubit architectures.
Researching the Quantum-Classical Boundary
The quest to determine the transition between quantum and classical behavior continued in 2025, with a focus on levitated nanoparticles. In one experiment, Massimiliano Rossi and his team at ETH Zurich and the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona successfully cooled silica nanoparticles, extending their wave-like behavior to 73 picometers. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka Aikawa and his colleagues at the University of Tokyo achieved the first quantum mechanical squeezing on a nanoparticle, altering its velocity distribution at the expense of its momentum distribution. These studies contribute to the ongoing exploration of the quantum-classical boundary.
Generating Truly Random Numbers with Quantum Computers
The need for genuinely random numbers has led to innovative solutions in quantum computing. In 2025, researchers, including Scott Aaronson, Shi-Han Hung, and Marco Pistoia, demonstrated that quantum computers could serve as a reliable source of random numbers. This achievement is particularly valuable for applications requiring high levels of randomness, distinguishing itself from pseudorandom numbers generated by classical computers.
Creating Quantum Superpositions with Heavy Atoms
In a remarkable achievement, Andrea Morello and his team at the University of New South Wales became pioneers in creating quantum superpositions known as Schrödinger’s cat states in heavy atoms, specifically antimony. This work not only contributes to the understanding of quantum states but also showcased a unique team photo featuring researchers alongside cats, blending scientific achievement with a touch of humor.
The accomplishments in quantum science throughout 2025 are a testament to the innovative spirit of the global research community. As the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology concludes, anticipation builds for further discoveries and advancements in the coming years.
