Intel Unveils "Tunnel Falls": Advanced Silicon Spin Qubit

June 15, 2023 - Intel, a global leader in semiconductor technology, has unveiled its latest breakthrough in the field of quantum computing with the introduction of "Tunnel Falls," a state-of-the-art silicon spin qubit chip. This cutting-edge chip, comprising 12 silicon spin qubits, represents Intel's most advanced achievement in silicon spin qubit research and development to date.

Tunnel Falls is built using the industry-standard 300mm silicon wafer manufacturing process, incorporating advanced technologies such as Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, as well as gate and contact layer processing techniques. In the realm of silicon spin qubits, information encoding (0/1) occurs within the spin state (up/down) of an individual electron. Notably, the silicon spin qubit is essentially a single-electron transistor, enabling Intel to leverage a production flow similar to standard CMOS logic fabrication. With a size comparable to that of a transistor, measuring approximately 50x50nm, the silicon spin qubit is significantly smaller than other quantum bit variants, presenting the potential for accelerated mass production.

Leveraging Intel's advanced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication lines, the company has employed its innovative process control technology to enhance yield and performance. Intel proudly reports a remarkable 95% yield on Tunnel Falls, approaching the voltage uniformity achieved in CMOS logic fabrication. Moreover, each wafer can accommodate over 24,000 quantum dots. Tunnel Falls empowers the formation of 4 to 12 qubits, providing the flexibility for either mutual isolation or simultaneous manipulation.

Intel remains committed to further optimizing the performance of Tunnel Falls. The company aims to seamlessly integrate this breakthrough chip into the Intel Quantum Computing Stack by combining it with the Intel Quantum Software Development Kit (SDK). Intel's comprehensive approach enables a holistic solution for quantum computing needs. Furthermore, building on the experience gained from manufacturing Tunnel Falls, Intel has already embarked on the development of its next-generation quantum chip, slated for release in 2024. Intel's relentless pursuit of quantum innovation ensures continued progress in this transformative field.