Intel to install quantum computing test bed for Q-NEXT

Argonne National Laboratory announced that technology company Intel will deliver its technology this year to Argonne National Laboratory, the main laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Quantum Information Science Research Center Q-NEXT (Next Generation Quantum Science and Engineering). The first quantum computing testbed. The machine will be the first major component installed at the Argonne Quantum Factory, which manufactures and tests new quantum materials and devices, and is expected to be completed in 2022.

Q-NEXT scientists will use Intel's machines to run quantum algorithms on a physical quantum computing testbed, rather than in a simulated quantum environment; at the same time, Intel will get feedback from scientists on the quality of the machine's components and overall operation.

Jeanette Roberts, head of Intel's quantum measurement team, said: "To achieve quantum computing, it takes a lot of people to work together. We need to use everyone's expertise. It's a team activity, and the quantum field is a good area to collaborate before competition."

Jeanette Roberts of Intel adjusts a dilution refrigerator, which creates the ideal environment for qubit performance

Diving deep into science  

Working with scientists at Q-NEXT, Roberts is currently setting up the testbed's hardware, software and all the procedures needed to get it operational.

The prospect of building a quantum computer is particularly attractive to Roberts, who has been trying to understand how the physical world works. "I'm always looking up and wanting to know enough about the science that I can understand the whole field." Roberts earned a Ph.D. in physics before joining Intel in 1995.

Roberts is passionate about diving, and for her, diving is exciting, but the challenge of building a quantum computer can be more challenging than diving. "I love working on challenging, interesting problems, and I think building a practical quantum computer is one of the most challenging problems I've ever encountered," she said.

The invitation was made to her by Intel in 2015. At that time, Intel launched the "Quantum Computing Project": Intel, in cooperation with Delft University of Technology, launched the project with the goal of applying large-scale manufacturing techniques to the manufacture of quantum devices. This also marks Intel's official entry into the quantum technology industry. Roberts was one of the first two engineers to join the company's quantum computing team, helping develop Intel's qubits.

From semiconductor chips to spin qubits 

Different types of qubits process data in different ways. Intel is focusing on a class called "spin qubits." These devices store information in the spin of the material.

"It turns out that spin qubits look a lot like transistors, and Intel ships 800 trillion a year," Roberts said. "The similarities between the two technologies mean we can use Intel to design and manufacture spin qubits in semiconductors. expertise, we are leveraging Intel infrastructure to help enable quantum computing."

Qubit development is just one part of Intel's quantum R&D. The company also conducts research and development in quantum algorithms, quantum device control electronics, and quantum interconnects, the components that enable quantum information to be transferred between different media and platforms.

David Awschalom, director of Q-NEXT, said: "Intel's work in developing quantum devices resonates strongly with Q-NEXT's mission, and the company's partnership has been invaluable for collaboration. The entire team, including Jeanette's, resonates strongly with Q-NEXT's mission. The Q-NEXT-Intel team has been working to help the center achieve its goals. Once the semiconductor testbed is up and running, it will open up all kinds of possibilities for making new quantum materials and devices." Awschalom is also a senior scientist at Argonne Labs , Associate Dean for Research and Infrastructure at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Professor and Founding Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

This work was also supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science's National Center for Quantum Information Science Research.

About Q-NEXT

Q-NEXT is the U.S. Department of Energy's National Quantum Information Science Research Center, led by Argonne National Laboratory. Q-NEXT brings together world-class researchers from national laboratories, universities and U.S. technology companies with the sole goal of developing the science and technology to control and distribute quantum information. Q-NEXT collaborators and institutions will create two national factories for quantum materials and devices, develop sensor networks and secure communications systems, build simulation and cyber testbeds, and train the next generation of quantum-ready workforces to ensure the U.S. thrives in this rapid development continue to maintain scientific and economic leadership in the field.

About Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne was the nation's first national laboratory, conducting cutting-edge basic and applied scientific research in nearly every field of science. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state, and municipal agencies to help them solve specific problems, advance America's scientific leadership, and prepare the nation for a brighter future. Argonne has employees from more than 60 countries and is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC of the DOE Office of Science.

Link:

https://www.anl.gov/article/intel-to-install-quantum-computing-test-bed-for-qnext