Intel launched a quantum computing chip code-named “Tunnel Falls”, 12-qubit silicon chip

Intel recently unveiled its quantum computing chip, christened Tunnel Falls, featuring a 12-qubit design, presently allocated for internal use. In time, it will be available to academic institutions and relevant research organizations.

Tunnel Falls owes its moniker to a waterfall located approximately two hours by car from Intel’s factory in Oregon, deviating from the company’s tradition of naming consumer processors after lakes.

In contrast to Google, Microsoft, AWS, and IBM, which primarily offer quantum computing resources through cloud services, Intel appears to favor propelling the development of quantum computing performance through processor design.

Quantum computing, although it promises immense computational power, currently suffers from a high degree of instability and propensity for error, meaning its real-world applications remain relatively scant. However, Intel envisages the successful creation of processor products capable of accommodating thousands of quantum bit computations, with plans to accomplish complete debugging by 2027 and thereby furthering the goal of widespread quantum computing application.

Moreover, Intel has disclosed it is already developing its next quantum computing processor, expected to be announced in 2024, as part of its plan to establish a comprehensive quantum computing ecosystem in collaboration with global research institutions.