Intel Announces Quantum Computing Advancement

At the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Austin, Texas, Intel announced a two-qubit, spin-based quantum computer that can be “programmed to perform two simple quantum algorithms.” According to Intel, this success will pave the way to larger spin-based quantum computers capable of more complex calculations.

Spin qubit technology is an effort to avoid the fragility and complications associated with superconducting qubit systems.  Silicon-based spin qubit chips leverage concepts of transistors and the semiconductor industry. The result is a more compact system that can operate at a higher temperature than a superconducting qubit system (if you want to call 1 degree Kelvin a higher temperature).

Intel says it has invented a spin qubit fabrication flow that could eventually lead to mass production of spin qubit chips. According to the company, “Within a couple months, Intel expects to be “producing many wafers per week, each with thousands of small qubit arrays.”