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Ongoing Development in Partnership with Industry and AcademiaThe challenges in developing functioning quantum computing systems are manifold and daunting. For example, qubits themselves are extremely fragile, with any disturbance including measurement causing them to revert from their quantum state to a classical (binary) one, resulting in data loss. Tangle Lake also must operate at profoundly cold temperatures, within a small fraction of one kelvin from absolute zero.

Moreover, there are significant issues of scale, with real-world implementations at commercial scale likely requiring at least one million qubits. Given that reality, the relatively large size of quantum processors is a significant limitation in its own right; for example, Tangle Lake is about three inches square. To address these challenges, Intel is actively developing design, modeling, packaging, and fabrication techniques to enable the creation of more complex quantum processors.

Intel began collaborating with QuTech, a quantum computing organization in the Netherlands, in 2015; that involvement includes a US$50M investment by Intel in QuTech to provide ongoing engineering resources that will help accelerate developments in the field. QuTech was created as an advanced research and education center for quantum computing by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research and the Delft University of Technology. Combined with Intels expertise in fabrication, control electronics, and architecture, this partnership is uniquely suited to the challenges of developing the first viable quantum computing systems.

Currently, Tangle Lake chips produced in Oregon are being shipped to QuTech in the Netherlands for analysis. QuTech has developed robust techniques for simulating quantum workloads as a means to address issues such as connecting, controlling, and measuring multiple, entangled qubits. In addition to helping drive system-level design of quantum computers, the insights uncovered through this work contribute to faster transition from design and fabrication to testing of future generations of the technology.

In addition to its collaboration with QuTech, Intel Labs is also working with other ecosystem members both on fundamental and system-level challenges on the entire quantum computing stack. Joint research being conducted with QuTech, the University of Toronto, the University of Chicago, and others builds upward from quantum devices to include mechanisms such as error correction, hardware- and software-based control mechanisms, and approaches and tools for developing quantum applications.

Beyond Superconduction: The Promise of Spin QubitsOne approach to addressing some of the challenges that are inherent to quantum processors such as Tangle Lake that are based on superconducting qubits is the investigation of spin qubits by Intel Labs and QuTech. Spin qubits function on the basis of the spin of a single electron in silicon, controlled by microwave pulses. Compared to superconducting qubits, spin qubits far more closely resemble existing semiconductor components operating in silicon, potentially taking advantage of existing fabrication techniques. In addition, this promising area of research holds the potential for advantages in the following areas:

Operating temperature:Spin qubits require extremely cold operating conditions, but to a lesser degree than superconducting qubits (approximately one degree kelvin compared to 20 millikelvins); because the difficulty of achieving lower temperatures increases exponentially as one gets closer to absolute zero, this difference potentially offers significant reductions in system complexity.

Stability and duration:Spin qubits are expected to remain coherent for far longer than superconducting qubits, making it far simpler at the processor level to implement them for algorithms.

Physical size:Far smaller than superconducting qubits, a billion spin qubits could theoretically fit in one square millimeter of space. In combination with their structural similarity to conventional transistors, this property of spin qubits could be instrumental in scaling quantum computing systems upward to the estimated millions of qubits that will eventually be needed in production systems.

To date, researchers have developed a spin qubit fabrication flow using Intels 300-millimeter process technology that is enabling the production of small spin-qubit arrays in silicon. In fact, QuTech has already begun testing small-scale spin-qubit-based quantum computer systems. As a publicly shared software foundation, QuTech has also developed the Quantum Technology Toolbox, a Python package for performing measurements and calibration of spin-qubits.

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Quantum Computing - Intel

Technology giants like Google, IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft are pouring resources into quantum computing. The goal of quantum computing is to create the next generation of computers and overcome classic computing limits.

Despite the progress, there are still unknown areas in this emerging field.

This article is an introduction to the basic concepts of quantum computing. You will learn what quantum computing is and how it works, as well as what sets a quantum device apart from a standard machine.

Quantum computing is a new generation of computers based on quantum mechanics, a physics branch that studies atomic and subatomic particles. These supercomputers perform computations at speeds and levels an ordinary computer cannot handle.

These are the main differences between a quantum device and a regular desktop:

Unlike a standard computer, its quantum counterpart can perform multiple operations simultaneously. These machines also store more states per unit of data and operate on more efficient algorithms.

Incredible processing power makes quantum computers capable of solving complex tasks and searching through unsorted data.

The adoption of more powerful computers benefits every industry. However, some areas already stand out as excellent opportunities for quantum computers to make a mark:

The key behind a quantum computers power is its ability to create and manipulate quantum bits, or qubits.

Here is the state of a qubit q0:

The likelihood of q0 being 0 when measured is a2. The probability of it being 1 when measured is b2. Due to the probabilistic nature, a qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

For a qubit q0 where a = 1 and b = 0, q0 is equivalent to a classical bit of 0. There is a 100% chance to get to a value of 0 when measured. If a = 0 and b = 1, then q0 is equivalent to a classical bit of 1. Thus, the classical binary bits of 0 and 1 are a subset of qubits.

Now, lets look at an empty circuit in the IBM Circuit Composer with a single qubit q0 (Figure 1).The Measurement probabilities graph shows that the q0 has 100% of being measured as 0. The Statevector graph shows the values of a and b, which correspond to the 0 and 1 computational basis states column, respectively.

In the case of Figure 1, a is equal to 1 and b to 0. So, q0 has a probability of 12 = 1 to be measured as 0.

A connected group of qubits provides more processing power than the same number of binary bits. The difference in processing is due to two quantum properties: superposition and entanglement.

When 0 < a and b < 1, the qubit is in a so-called superposition state. In this state, it is possible to jump to either 0 or 1 when measured. The probability of getting to 0 or 1 is defined by a2 and b2.

The Hadamard Gate is the basic gate inquantum computing. The Hadamard Gate moves the qubit from a non-superposition state of 0 or 1 into a superposition state. While in a superposition state, there is a 0.5 probability of it being measured as 0. There is also a 0.5 chance of the qubit ending up as 1.

Lets look at the effect of adding the Hadamard Gate (shown as a red H) on q0 where q0 is currently in a non-superposition state of 0 (Figure 2). After passing the Hadamard gate, the Measurement Probabilities graph shows that there is a 50% chance of getting a 0 or 1 when q0 is measured.

The Statevector graph shows the value of a and b, which are both square roots of 0.5 = 0.707. The probability for the qubit to be measured to 0 and 1 is 0.7072 = 0.5, so q0 is now in a superposition state.

When we measure a qubit in a superposition state, the qubit jumps to a non-superposition state. A measurement changes the qubit and forces it out of superposition to the state of either 0 or 1.

If a qubit is in a non-superposition state of 0 or 1, measuring it will not change anything. In that case, the qubit is already in a state of 100% being 0 or 1 when measured.

Let us add a measurement operation into the circuit (Figure 3). We measure q0 after the Hadamard gate and output the value of the measurement to bit 0 (a classical bit) in c1:

To see the results of the q0 measurement after the Hadamard Gate, we send the circuit to run on an actual quantum computer called ibmq_armonk. By default, there are 1024 runs of the quantum circuit. The result (Figure 4) shows that about 47.4% of the time, the q0 measurement is 0. The other 52.6% of times, it is measured as 1:

The second run (Figure 5) yields a different distribution of 0 and 1, but still close to the expected 50/50 split:

If two qubits are in an entanglement state, the measurement of one qubit instantly collapses the value of the other. The same effect happens even if the two entangled qubits are far apart.

Let us look at an example. A quantum operation that puts two untangled qubits into an entangled state is the CNOT gate. To demonstrate this, we first add another qubit q1, which is initialized to 0 by default. Before the CNOT gate, the two qubits are untangled, so q0 has a 0.5 chance of being 0 or 1 due to the Hadamard gate, while q1 is going to be 0. The Measurement Probabilities graph (Figure 6) shows that the probability of (q1, q0) being (0, 0) or (0, 1) is 50%:

Then we add the CNOT gate (shown as a blue dot and the plus sign) that takes the output of q0 from the Hadamard gate and q1 as inputs. The Measurement Probabilities graph now shows that there is a 50% chance of (q1, q0) being (0, 0) and 50% of being (1, 1) when measured (Figure 7):

There is zero chance of getting (0, 1) or (1, 0). Once we determine the value of one qubit, we know the others value because the two must be equal. In such a state, q0 and q1 are entangled.

Let us run this on an actual quantum computer and see what happens (Figure 8):

We are close to a 50/50 distribution between the 00 and 11 states. We also see unexpected occurrences of 01 and 10 due to the quantum computers high error rates. While error rates for classical computers are almost non-existent, high error rates are the main challenge of quantum computing.

The circuit shown in the Entanglement section is called the Bell Circuit. Even though it is basic, that circuit shows a few fundamental concepts and properties of quantum computing, namely qubits, superposition, entanglement, and measurements. The Bell Circuit is often cited as the Hello World program for quantum computing.

By now, you probably have many questions, such as:

There are no shortcuts to learning quantum computing. The field touches on complex topics spanning physics, mathematics, and computer science.

There is an abundance of good books and video tutorials that introduce the technology. These resources typically cover pre-requisite concepts like linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and binary computing.

In addition to books and tutorials, you can also learn a lot from code examples. Solutions to financial portfolio optimization and vehicle routing, for example, are great starting points for learning about quantum computing.

Quantum computers have the potential to exceed even the most advanced supercomputers. Quantum computing can lead to breakthroughs in science, medicine, machine learning, construction, transport, finances, and emergency services.

The promise is apparent, but the technology is still far from being applicable to real-life scenarios. New advances emerge every day, though, so expect quantum computing to cause significant disruptions in years to come.

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What is Quantum Computing? Learn How it Works

Quantum computing is an area of study focused on the development of computer based technologies centered around the principles ofquantum theory. Quantum theory explains the nature and behavior of energy and matter on thequantum(atomic and subatomic) level. Quantum computing uses a combination ofbitsto perform specific computational tasks. All at a much higher efficiency than their classical counterparts. Development ofquantum computersmark a leap forward in computing capability, with massive performance gains for specific use cases. For example quantum computing excels at like simulations.

The quantum computer gains much of its processing power through the ability for bits to be in multiple states at one time. They can perform tasks using a combination of 1s, 0s and both a 1 and 0 simultaneously. Current research centers in quantum computing include MIT, IBM, Oxford University, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. In addition, developers have begun gaining access toquantum computers through cloud services.

Quantum computing began with finding its essential elements. In 1981, Paul Benioff at Argonne National Labs came up with the idea of a computer that operated with quantum mechanical principles. It is generally accepted that David Deutsch of Oxford University provided the critical idea behind quantum computing research. In 1984, he began to wonder about the possibility of designing a computer that was based exclusively on quantum rules, publishing a breakthrough paper a few months later.

Quantum Theory

Quantum theory's development began in 1900 with a presentation by Max Planck. The presentation was to the German Physical Society, in which Planck introduced the idea that energy and matter exists in individual units. Further developments by a number of scientists over the following thirty years led to the modern understanding of quantum theory.

Quantum Theory

Quantum theory's development began in 1900 with a presentation by Max Planck. The presentation was to the German Physical Society, in which Planck introduced the idea that energy and matter exists in individual units. Further developments by a number of scientists over the following thirty years led to the modern understanding of quantum theory.

The Essential Elements of Quantum Theory:

Further Developments of Quantum Theory

Niels Bohr proposed the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum theory. This theory asserts that a particle is whatever it is measured to be, but that it cannot be assumed to have specific properties, or even to exist, until it is measured. This relates to a principle called superposition. Superposition claims when we do not know what the state of a given object is, it is actually in all possible states simultaneously -- as long as we don't look to check.

To illustrate this theory, we can use the famous analogy of Schrodinger's Cat. First, we have a living cat and place it in a lead box. At this stage, there is no question that the cat is alive. Then throw in a vial of cyanide and seal the box. We do not know if the cat is alive or if it has broken the cyanide capsule and died. Since we do not know, the cat is both alive and dead, according to quantum law -- in a superposition of states. It is only when we break open the box and see what condition the cat is in that the superposition is lost, and the cat must be either alive or dead.

The principle that, in some way, one particle can exist in numerous states opens up profound implications for computing.

A Comparison of Classical and Quantum Computing

Classical computing relies on principles expressed by Boolean algebra; usually Operating with a 3 or 7-modelogic gateprinciple. Data must be processed in an exclusive binary state at any point in time; either 0 (off / false) or 1 (on / true). These values are binary digits, or bits. The millions of transistors and capacitors at the heart of computers can only be in one state at any point. In addition, there is still a limit as to how quickly these devices can be made to switch states. As we progress to smaller and faster circuits, we begin to reach the physical limits of materials and the threshold for classical laws of physics to apply.

The quantum computer operates with a two-mode logic gate:XORand a mode called QO1 (the ability to change 0 into a superposition of 0 and 1). In a quantum computer, a number of elemental particles such as electrons or photons can be used. Each particle is given a charge, or polarization, acting as a representation of 0 and/or 1. Each particle is called a quantum bit, or qubit. The nature and behavior of these particles form the basis of quantum computing and quantum supremacy. The two most relevant aspects of quantum physics are the principles of superposition andentanglement.

Superposition

Think of a qubit as an electron in a magnetic field. The electron's spin may be either in alignment with the field, which is known as aspin-upstate, or opposite to the field, which is known as aspin-downstate. Changing the electron's spin from one state to another is achieved by using a pulse of energy, such as from alaser. If only half a unit of laser energy is used, and the particle is isolated the particle from all external influences, the particle then enters a superposition of states. Behaving as if it were in both states simultaneously.

Each qubit utilized could take a superposition of both 0 and 1. Meaning, the number of computations a quantum computer could take is 2^n, where n is the number of qubits used. A quantum computer comprised of 500 qubits would have a potential to do 2^500 calculations in a single step. For reference, 2^500 is infinitely more atoms than there are in the known universe. These particles all interact with each other via quantum entanglement.

In comparison to classical, quantum computing counts as trueparallel processing. Classical computers today still only truly do one thing at a time. In classical computing, there are just two or more processors to constitute parallel processing.EntanglementParticles (like qubits) that have interacted at some point retain a type can be entangled with each other in pairs, in a process known ascorrelation. Knowing the spin state of one entangled particle - up or down -- gives away the spin of the other in the opposite direction. In addition, due to the superposition, the measured particle has no single spin direction before being measured. The spin state of the particle being measured is determined at the time of measurement and communicated to the correlated particle, which simultaneously assumes the opposite spin direction. The reason behind why is not yet explained.

Quantum entanglement allows qubits that are separated by large distances to interact with each other instantaneously (not limited to the speed of light). No matter how great the distance between the correlated particles, they will remain entangled as long as they are isolated.

Taken together, quantum superposition and entanglement create an enormously enhanced computing power. Where a 2-bit register in an ordinary computer can store only one of four binary configurations (00, 01, 10, or 11) at any given time, a 2-qubit register in a quantum computer can store all four numbers simultaneously. This is because each qubit represents two values. If more qubits are added, the increased capacity is expanded exponentially.

Quantum Programming

Quantum computing offers an ability to write programs in a completely new way. For example, a quantum computer could incorporate a programming sequence that would be along the lines of "take all the superpositions of all the prior computations." This would permit extremely fast ways of solving certain mathematical problems, such as factorization of large numbers.

The first quantum computing program appeared in 1994 by Peter Shor, who developed a quantum algorithm that could efficiently factorize large numbers.

The Problems - And Some Solutions

The benefits of quantum computing are promising, but there are huge obstacles to overcome still. Some problems with quantum computing are:

There are many problems to overcome, such as how to handle security and quantum cryptography. Long time quantum information storage has been a problem in the past too. However, breakthroughs in the last 15 years and in the recent past have made some form of quantum computing practical. There is still much debate as to whether this is less than a decade away or a hundred years into the future. However, the potential that this technology offers is attracting tremendous interest from both the government and the private sector. Military applications include the ability to break encryptions keys via brute force searches, while civilian applications range from DNA modeling to complex material science analysis.

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What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm that harnesses the power of quantum mechanics to deliver the ultimate in parallel computing. It has the potential to tackle problems that conventional computing even the worlds most powerful supercomputers cant quite handle. While this technology will be transformational for areas such as drug development, logistics optimization, and natural disaster prediction, we need to overcome many challenges and pass many mile markers on this incredible journey of discovery before it can be ready for mainstream business adoption and deliver broad societal impact. Intel is advancing its vision of quantum practicality in collaboration with leading industry and academic partners to bring quantum from the lab to commercial reality. Intels quantum computing research spans the complete stack from qubits and algorithms research to control electronics and interconnectsrequired to make practical quantum computers for real-world applications a reality.

At Intel Labs Day 2020, Intel spotlighted research initiatives across multiple domains where its researchers are striving for orders of magnitude advancements to shape the next decade of computing. Themed In Pursuit of 1000X: Disruptive Research for the Next Decade in Computing, the event featured several emerging areas including integrated photonics, neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, confidential computing and machine programming. Together, these domains represent pioneering efforts to address critical challenges in the future of computing, and Intels leadership role in pursuing breakthroughs to address them. All Intel Labs Day News

Anne Matsuura is the director of Quantum Applications and Architecture at Intel Labs. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

James S. Clarke is the director of the Quantum Hardware research group within Intels Components Research Organization. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

A close-up photo shows a dilution refrigerator used for cooling Intel's quantum systems to create the ideal environment for optimal qubit performance. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intels director of quantum hardware, Jim Clarke, holds the new 17-qubit superconducting test chip. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intels 17-qubit superconducting test chip for quantum computing has unique features for improved connectivity and better electrical and thermo-mechanical performance. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

The outside of a dilution refrigerator, which creates the ideal environment for qubit performance at Intel Labs campus in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

An Intel researcher adjusts a dilution refrigerator, which creates the ideal environment for qubit performance at Intel Labs Hillsboro, Oregon, campus. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

An Intel researcher examines ways to improve the dilution refrigerators operating temperature for maximum computation efficiencies at Intel Labs Hillsboro, Oregon, campus. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

Researchers at Intel explain the delicate adjustment process for mechanisms on a quantum computers dilution refrigerator to external stakeholders on Intel Labs Hillsboro, Oregon, campus. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

Intel researchers work to develop alternative methods for keeping qubits in superposition for longer periods of time. One method is adjusting the dilution refrigerator at Intel Labs Hillsboro, Oregon, campus. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

Intels dilution refrigerator at Intel Labs Hillsboro, Oregon, campus allows qubits to operate at a constant temperature fractions of a degree above absolute zero while in superposition. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

A close-up photo shows one of Intel's quantum computing chips that has an isotopically purified silicon spin qubit wafer installed within it. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Researchers at the Intel Labs campus in Hillsboro, Oregon, work to install a dilution refrigerator used to create the perfect performance environment for qubits. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

A researcher works to install a dilution refrigerator used for cooling Intel's quantum systems at the Intel Labs campus in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

A researcher at the Intel Labs campus in Hillsboro, Oregon, works to install a dilution refrigerator used to advance research findings toward quantum practicality. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

A researcher closely examines an isotopically purified silicon spin qubit wafer used in Intel's quantum technology. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

A 2018 photo shows Intels new quantum computing chip balanced on a pencil eraser. Researchers started testing this spin qubit chip at the extremely low temperatures necessary for quantum computing: about 460 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Intel projects that qubit-based quantum computers, which operate based on the behaviors of single electrons, could someday be more powerful than todays supercomputers. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

A close-up photo shows an isotopically purified silicon spin qubit wafer Intel Labs uses to create scalable designs for achieving quantum practicality. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intel Corporation has invented a spin qubit fabrication flow on its 300 mm process technology using isotopically pure wafers like this one. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

Intel Corporation has invented a spin qubit fabrication flow on its 300 mm process technology using isotopically pure wafers like this one. (Credit: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation)

Jim Clarke, Intel Corporations director of quantum hardware, holds an Intel 49-qubit quantum test chip, called Tangle Lake, in front of a dilution refrigerator at QuTechs quantum computing lab inside Delft University of Technology in July 2018. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

Florian Unseld (left) and Kian van der Enden, research assistants at QuTech, work on a readout tool for an Intel quantum test chip at Delft University in July 2018. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

Dr. Leonardo DiCarlo, professor of superconducting quantum circuits, works on a dilution refrigerator for quantum computing at Delft University of Technology in July 2018. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

Brian Tarasimski, (left) post-doctoral researcher, and Dr. Leonardo DiCarlo, professor of superconducting quantum circuits, both of QuTech, work on a dilution refrigerator for quantum computing at Delft University of Technology in July 2018. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photo shows a dilution refrigerator at QuTechs quantum computing lab. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photo shows a dilution refrigerator at QuTechs quantum computing lab. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photo shows a dilution refrigerator at QuTechs quantum computing lab. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photo shows a dilution refrigerator at QuTechs quantum computing lab. QuTech at Delft University of Technology is Intel Corporations quantum computing research partner in the Netherlands. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photos shows an Intel Corporation-manufactured wafer that contains working spin qubits. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

A July 2018 photos shows an Intel Corporation-manufactured wafer that contains working spin qubits. (Credit: Tim Herman/Intel Corporation)

Changing the World with Quantum Computing | Intel

Intel & Qutech Advance Quantum Computing Research (B-roll)

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Quantum Computing | Intel Newsroom

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CQC is a world leading independent quantum computing company that develops architecture-agnostic, enterprise quantum solutions to tackle some of industrys most intriguing challenges.

We are a globally recognised leader in all of our fields including quantum chemistry, quantum machine learning, quantum cybersecurity and quantum software. Our technologies are allowing some of the worlds largest chemical, energy, financial and material science organisations to harness the transformative impact of quantum computing.

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Our hardware agnostic approach to algorithm and software development combined with our extensive partner portfolio ensures we attain maximal value from hardware as and when it becomes available. We are applying our software and algorithms to superconducting, trapped ion, topological and photonic architectures and are continually adding new hardware partners.

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