Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and Intel deployed a 12-qubit quantum processor based on silicon quantum dots, marking a milestone for an industry–national lab collaboration. The system runs at Argonne and represents one of the largest silicon quantum dot arrays operated within a U.S. national laboratory environment.
The project operates under Q-NEXT, a Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Center hosted by Argonne. Intel fabricated the device using advanced silicon transistor manufacturing processes, while Argonne scientists lead characterization and system-level experiments to understand qubit behavior, coupling, and scalability. The first collaborative results appeared in Nature Communications.
By leveraging transistor technology at the single-electron level, the team advances spin-based qubits that align with established semiconductor manufacturing. The partners aim to scale from today’s 12-qubit device to hundreds and beyond, using Argonne’s experimental feedback to inform Intel’s next-generation designs and accelerate progress toward practical, manufacturable quantum processors.
- Deployed system: 12 silicon quantum dot spin qubits built by Intel and operated at Argonne
- Program context: Part of the DOE-funded Q-NEXT center focused on scalable quantum technologies
- Manufacturing approach: Uses silicon transistor processes adapted to single-electron control
- Research focus: Qubit interaction, materials effects, and scaling behavior in larger arrays
- Next steps: Iterative scale-up to hundreds of quantum dots with continued lab characterization
“This collaboration between Argonne and Intel is a cornerstone of Q-NEXT. It shows the impact of a national quantum research center: Only at this scale can industry and discovery-driven organizations like the national laboratories combine their strengths to build such a complex system.” — David Awschalom, Q-NEXT Inaugural Director.
https://www.anl.gov/article/argonne-launches-silicon-quantum-processor-collaboration-with-intel
🌐 Analysis
Silicon quantum dots remain a leading candidate for scalable quantum computing because they build on decades of CMOS manufacturing expertise. Intel’s approach contrasts with superconducting and trapped-ion platforms pursued by other vendors, while national labs like Argonne provide neutral, open-science validation that can accelerate ecosystem adoption. Recent industry momentum around larger spin-qubit arrays suggests competition will hinge on yield, control electronics, and integration with classical silicon.
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