Intel and QuTech Demonstrate High-Fidelity ‘Hot’ Qubits for Practical Quantum Systems


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) » Click for full image What’s New:  Intel, in collaboration with  QuTech , today published a paper in  Nature  demonstrating the successful control of “hot” qubits, the fundamental unit of quantum computing, at temperatures greater than 1 kelvin. The research also highlighted individual coherent control of two qubits with single-qubit fidelities of up to 99.3%. These breakthroughs highlight the potential for cryogenic controls of a future quantum system and silicon spin qubits, which closely resemble a single electron transistor, to come together in an integrated package.
“This research represents a meaningful advancement in our research into silicon spin qubits, which we believe are promising candidates for powering commercial-scale quantum systems, given their resemblance to transistors that Intel has been manufacturing for more than 50 years. Our demonstration of hot qubits that can operate at higher temperatures while maintaining high fidelity paves the way to allow a variety of local qubit control options without impacting qubit performance.”
–Jim Clarke, director of quantum hardware, Intel Labs
Why It’s Important: Applying quantum computing to practical problems hinges on the ability to scale to and control thousands – if not millions – of qubits at the same time with high levels of fidelity. However, current quantum systems designs are limited by overall system size, qubit fidelity and especially the complexity of control electronics required to manage the quantum at large scale.
Having the control electronics and spin qubits integrated on the same chip greatly simplifies the interconnects between the two. But increasing the temperatures at which the qubits can operate is critical to advancing that goal. Previously, a quantum computer was only proven to operate in the millikelvin range – just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero. Now, with this research into hot qubits, QuTech – in partnership with Intel – has proven its hypothesis that silicon spin qubits have the potential to operate at slightly higher temperatures than current quantum systems, achieving just one step towards scalability.
The approach enables Intel to leverage its expertise in advanced packaging and interconnect technologies for a scalable path forward toward  quantum practicality .   This research builds on Intel’s ongoing  work  in advancing the development of full-stack quantum systems, including the introduction late last year of the first-of-its-kind Horse Ridge cryogenic quantum control chip.
About Key Featured Breakthroughs:  Quantum information stored in such qubits is normally quickly lost unless the qubits are cooled to near absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius or 0 kelvin). In research highlighted in...

Top