Intel Takes Next Step Toward Building Scalable Silicon-Based Quantum Processors
Intel has achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing by demonstrating the state-of-the-art uniformity, fidelity, and measurement statistics of spin qubits in a research published in Nature. The research opens the path for scalable silicon-based quantum processors, paving the way for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Intel plans to further advance its techniques to increase qubit count, connectivity, and performance in its next-generation quantum chip.
Intel has demonstrated high qubit control fidelity and uniformity in single-electron control, setting industry standards.
The research published in Nature shows the potential for mass production and scalability of silicon-based quantum processors, important for building fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Intel's fabrication approach using extreme ultraviolet lithography has enabled the manufacturing of dense spin qubits on a single chip, making them more complex and efficient.
The company's expertise in 300-millimeter CMOS manufacturing techniques positions it as a leader in developing silicon spin qubits, similar to transistors.
The fabrication of fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of uniform qubits will require highly reliable processes, posing a challenge for Intel in scaling quantum devices.
Research published in Nature demonstrates high qubit control fidelity and uniformity in single-electron control.
A photo shows a 300-millimeter Intel silicon spin qubit wafer. In May 2024, Nature published an Intel research paper, “Probing single electrons across 300-mm spin qubit wafers,” demonstrating state-of-the-art uniformity, fidelity and measurement statistics of spin qubits. (Credit: Intel Corporation)
Quantum hardware researchers from Intel developed a 300-millimeter cryogenic probing process to collect high-volume data on the performance of spin qubit devices across whole wafers using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing techniques.
The improvements to qubit device yield combined with the high-throughput testing process enabled researchers to obtain significantly more data to analyze uniformity, an important step needed to scale up quantum computers. Researchers also found that single-electron devices from these wafers perform well when operated as spin qubits, achieving
The small size of spin qubits, measuring about 100 nanometers across, makes them denser than other qubit types (e.g., superconducting), enabling more complex quantum computers to be made on a single chip of the same size. The fabrication approach was conducted using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, which allowed Intel to achieve these tight dimensions while also manufacturing in high volume.
Realizing fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of uniform qubits will require highly reliable fabrication processes. Drawing upon its legacy in transistor manufacturing expertise, Intel is at the forefront of creating silicon spin qubits similar to transistors by leveraging its cutting-edge 300-millimeter CMOS manufacturing techniques, which routinely produce billions of transistors per chip.
Building on these findings, Intel plans to continue to make advances in using these techniques to add more interconnect layers to fabricate 2D arrays with increased qubit count and connectivity, as well as demonstrating high-fidelity two-qubit gates on its industry manufacturing process. However, the main priority will continue to be scaling quantum devices and improving performance with its next generation quantum chip.
Read the complete findings in Nature.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501215284/en/
Laura Stadler
1-619-346-1170
laura.stadler@intel.com
Source: Intel
FAQ
What research was published in Nature by Intel related to quantum processors?
What key findings were highlighted in the research paper published by Intel?
What fabrication approach did Intel use in its research on spin qubits?
What is Intel's plan to advance its quantum computing techniques?
What challenge does Intel face in fabricating fault-tolerant quantum computers?
What is the size of spin qubits developed by Intel?
How does Intel leverage its manufacturing expertise in developing silicon spin qubits?
