An Intel Tunnel Falls quantum chip on a silicon wafer. The wafer is capable of up to 12 qubits of quantum processing.
Intel
Intel Advances Towards ‘Full-Stack’ Quantum Computing Solutions
On Thursday morning, Intel unveiled its latest quantum computing chip, named ‘Tunnel Falls’. This chip is specifically aimed at the quantum computing research community, and as part of the announcement, Intel mentioned that it will be supplying chips to the Sandia National Laboratory, as well as labs at the University of Maryland, the University of Rochester, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Intel’s release of the Tunnel Falls chip follows the launch earlier this year of a software package for developers that simulates a complete quantum stack. IBM also made a breakthrough in quantum technology, collaborating with the University of California Berkeley and publishing it in the journal Nature.
However, Intel is not alone in this race. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and even Honeywell, along with several startups, are all engaged in developing quantum systems. The potential impact of quantum computing can be groundbreaking for applications such as artificial intelligence, logistics planning, chemical simulation, and encryption. McKinsey estimates that the quantum computing market could exceed $90 billion by 2040, with the generated economic value potentially reaching trillions.
The advantage of quantum computing lies in its ability to exist in multiple states, unlike classical computers that are limited to only two states (zero or one). However, qubits are highly delicate and prone to error, which makes scaling and practical quantum computing still years away. Despite this, Intel is leveraging its expertise in silicon chip technology to develop its quantum systems. Silicon, although less advanced in terms of qubit quantity compared to other technologies like superconductors, has the potential for industrial-level scalability.
James Clarke, Intel’s director of quantum hardware, stated, “We’re piggybacking on what we know about transistors and that’s what sets us apart from others. Our goal is to change as little as possible from leading-edge technologies to make these.” In addition, Intel will manufacture the Tunnel Falls chips at its largest operations site in Oregon.
While Intel plans to create a complete quantum computing solution, including a full-stack approach, the company has not yet disclosed if it will offer quantum-as-a-service options like Microsoft and other competitors. Clarke commented, “Let’s build the quantum system first and then see.”
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
