Intel Creates 17 Qubit Superconducting Test Chip For Quantum Computing

The world might hail quantum computers as the future. From IBM’s universal quantum computer to Microsoft’s new programming language for quantum computers, the development is going on at a great pace. But still, there is a lot of work to be done.

Intel has created a new 17-qubit superconducting test chip and they have tried to lessen one problem associated with the quantum computing chips.

They are very fragile, and their operating conditions include extremely low temperatures (20 millikelvins, that’s 250 times colder than deep space) making the packaging of the qubits an important factor for their performance and proper functioning.

The superconducting chip, equivalent to the size of a half-dollar coin, is manufactured in such as way that it can work reliably in higher temperatures. With the new architecture, they have reduced radio frequency (RF) interference between the qubits.

Moreover, the chip can send and receive 10 to 100 more signals when compared to wire-bonded chips. Its advanced design makes it scalable for quantum integrated circuits which are considerably bigger than conventional silicon chips.

Intel has delivered the superconducting test chip to their quantum research partner QuTech based in Netherlands. The two are working together on a quantum computing system.

Also Read: What Exactly Is Quantum Computing?