Intel Releases Software Platform For Quantum Algorithm Development

Intel Corp has released a software platform for developers to build quantum algorithms. (photo: twitter @intel)

JAKARTA - Intel Corp has released a software platform for developers building quantum algorithms that can eventually be run on quantum computers being built by this chip company.

According to Anne Matsuura, chief app and quantum architecture of Intel Labs, the platform, called Intel Quantum SDK, currently allows the algorithm to be implemented on simulated quantum computing systems.

Quantum computing is based on quantum physics and on theory can perform computations faster than conventional computers.

Matsuura said developers can use the C++ programming language that has long been used to build quantum algorithms, making it more accessible to people who do not have quantum computing expertise.

"Intel Quantum SDK helps programmers prepare for future large-scale commercial quantum computers," Matsuura said in a statement. "This will also advance the industry by creating a community of developers that will accelerate application development."

The number of companies pursuing quantum computer hardware is increasing, from large companies such as IBM Corp and Alphabet Inc's Google to startups, but no one has yet made a machine that has had a significant impact on the field.

Using a quantum computing simulator, as built by Intel, it is therefore important to train developers and work on interim algorithms.

Intel currently doesn't have a quantum computer available to customers for use, but James Clarke, who is responsible for the quantum hardware at Intel, said the company was working on building one based on its silicon chip manufacturing technology.

"What we do at Intel is we get the transistors very close to each other, operate them at low temperatures and with single electrons and make them act as qubits," Clarke told Reuters.

Qubits, or quantum bits, are the basic unit of quantum computing.