Physicists win Nobel for quantum discovery

Two scientists join the prestigious Nobel club.

Serge Haroche of France and American David Wineland have won the 2012 prize for physics, the Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Tuesday.

They were chosen for their work in quantum physics, specifically finding ways to measure and manipulate quantum particles without destroying them.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) PHYSICS PROFESSOR AND NOBEL COMMITTEE MEMBER, BJORN JONSSON, SAYING:

"This is something physics has dreamt about since dawn of quantum mechanics, and today it's a possibility."

Their discovery of ways to manipulate the smallest particles of matter and light could make it possible to build a new, more powerful computer.

Researchers have long dreamt of building "quantum computers" able to conduct far more complicated calculations and hold vastly more data than classical computers.