The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is set to announce the Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday in Stockholm.
Last year, three scientists received the physics Nobel for their research into quantum tunneling, a phenomenon involving the unusual behavior of subatomic particles. Their work contributed to the highly sensitive measurements used in MRI machines and helped establish foundations for improved mobile phones and faster computers.
The announcement of this year's Nobel prizes began Monday with the medicine prize, which was awarded to three scientists whose research contributed to the development of a technique that uses light to investigate how the brain functions.
The Nobel announcements will continue Wednesday with the chemistry prize, followed by the literature prize on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday, while the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is scheduled to be announced on Oct. 12.
The prize money this year stands at 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to about $1.2 million. The amount will be awarded whether the prize goes to an individual, a small group of laureates or an organization.