Intel fabs 17-qubit superconducting test chip for quantum computing

Intel has delivered a 17-qubit superconducting test chip for quantum computing to Dutch lab QuTech.

Intel quantum 17 qubit

“The chip was fabricated by Intel and features a unique design to achieve improved yield and performance,” said Intel. “The delivery underscores the importance of material science and semiconductor manufacturing in realising the promise of quantum computing.”

Fragile qubits

Qubits are fragile, and any noise or unintended observation of them can cause data loss.

According to QuTech, this fragility requires them to operate at about 20mK, making the packaging of qubits key to their performance and function – which is why Intel’s components research group in Oregon and assembly test and technology development team in Arizona are pushing the limits of chip design and packaging technology.

In the new device, improvements are said to include:

New architecture allowing improved reliability, thermal performance, and reduced RF interference between qubits.

A scalable interconnect scheme that allows for 10-100 times more signals into and out of the chip as compared to wire-bonded chips.

Processes, materials and designs that enable Intel’s packaging to scale for quantum integrated circuits, which are much larger than conventional silicon chips.

“Our quantum research has progressed to the point where our partner QuTech is simulating quantum algorithm workloads, and Intel is fabricating qubit test chips on regular basis,” said Intel Labs MD Dr Michael Mayberry.

Superconducting qubits

Intel’s collaboration with QuTech began in 2015 and includes qubit devices with various qubit types – superconducting qubits in the newest test chip, and also spin qubits in silicon. “These spin qubits resemble a single electron transistor similar in many ways to conventional transistors and potentially able to be manufactured with comparable processes,” said QuTech.

The project spans qubit devices, the hardware and software architecture required to control them, as well as quantum applications. It has demonstrated circuit blocks for an integrated cryogenic CMOS control system, spin qubit fabrication on a 300mm process and packaging for superconducting qubits.

“With this test chip, we’ll focus on connecting, controlling and measuring multiple, entangled qubits towards an error correction scheme and a logical qubit,” said QuTech researcher Professor Leo DiCarlo.

QuTech is a research centre for quantum computing, founded by the technical university of Delft and Dutch research lab TNO.

Image – Intel director of quantum hardware Jim Clarke, shows the connectors on the 17-qubit superconducting test chip. Credit: Intel


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