Intel launches new quantum chip that could one day make x86 obsolete

And the next generation should be coming next year

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Global chipmakerIntelhas lifted the wraps off its Tunnel Falls 12-qubit silicon-based chip, which it says “marks the next step toward building a full-stack commercial quantum computing system.”

This is a move that represents the company’s first silicon spin qubit device that it has released to the research community, so while it may not be a full production chip destined for quantum computers near you anytime soon, it’s a significant milestone in the company’s timeline for commercializing the future technology.

With Tunnel Falls, Intel hopes that specific “research partners” can get to work on, well, research, rather than having to focus on developing their own devices. The company also calls out academic institutions for simply not having the “high-volume manufacturing fabrication equipment” that it does.

Intel is one step closer to commercializing quantum computing

The company highlights that “qubits can simultaneously operate in multiple states enabling unprecedented levels of parallelism and computing efficiency,” making them perfectly suited to high-performance computing in sectors like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The best workstations>Microsoft is looking to help developers build quantum apps in Azure>There’s now an open-source SDK for mini quantum computers you can use

Silicon spin qubits like Tunnel Falls work by encoding information (0s and 1s) during the spin of a single electron, which Intel says makes them superior to other rival qubit technologies because of their synergy with transistors.

The chipmaker said: “Being the size of a transistor, they are up to 1 million times smaller than other qubit types measuring approximately 50 nanometers by 50 nanometers,” which is hoped to unlock efficient scaling potential.

This example serves as an indicator of Intel’s direction, and already it is working on a next-generation quantum chip which is said to be based on Tunnel Falls, which should be with us as soon as 2024.

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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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