However, manufacturing would result in quantum computing. It would be a key to quantum but just don’t try throwing your current processor yet.
Intel has now begun manufacturing chips for quantum computers. The company’s quantum computing efforts have so far produced a latest 17 qubit chip; that the company has just passed on to its associates in the same territory, that is, QuTech in the Netherlands. However, it’s not a major advance in the actual computing power and in the applications. These advancements are still at very initial stages but it is a step towards production systems that can be ordered and delivered to gamble rather than experimental ones that still live in physics lab or at some other places.
The company’s celebration of this particular chip is a bit inconsistent. However, 17 isn’t a magic number in the world of quantum. Neither the chip can do any special tricks as other quantum computer systems can’t. The company is just happy with its history and the undeniable fact that their expertise in designing and fabricating chips and architectures is leading towards a new phase of computing.
Jim Clarke stated about the new system that he chatted with Intel’s director of quantum hardware. “We’re relying on our expertise in hardcore engineering,” he said. “We’re working on all parts of the compute stack: the chip, the control electronics, the system architecture, the algorithm.”
There are plenty of overlap as it is not quite like just another new core processor popping out every year.
Clarke also stated that “Our infrastructure allows us to adapt the materials and the package” and “If you are thinking of a material that might be good for a qubit chip, Intel likely already has a mature process for that material or at least experience with it.”
It has not been easy that the field of computing they’re attempting to enter is largely theoretical. This is the reason why partners like QuTech, a research partner institute under TU Delft are essential. Additionally, Intel is not short on big brains, however, a dedicated facility under a major technical university is much likely a fertile ground for this kind of bleeding-edge work.
The fundamental relationship is that Intel manufactures the chips that are later tested by QuTech with the latest algorithms, instruments, and models. Later they turn around and speak out something like “that was great, but we’ll need at least 14 qubits to do this next thing, and we saw a lot of interference under such and such conditions.” Intel later starts working on it, scribbles it down and a few months later, however, there is no set limit; out comes a new one, and the cycle repeats.
The later results so far let Intel brag about a chip that, always thanks to the company’s prowess and the work by QuTech, that has considerably improved in terms of reliability and performance in over the last two years; while the system infrastructure and architecture and rest of the things have evolved alongside.
Although, these amazing quantum computers are not really doing anything for now, on the other hand, they have to be operated at around 20 thousandths of a degree above absolute zero levels. However, the first problem seems quite exciting than limiting and the second one doesn’t sound like a really big deal anymore.
Moreover, there is still a long way to go in the world of quantum computing, rather it’s a no-brainer for companies like the Intel to bet on the concept; its billions of dollars in infrastructure that serves very well for collateral.