EXTRAS
Intel releases its Intel Quantum Software Development Kit version 1.0
Intel today announced the release of version 1.0 of the Software Development Kit (SDK) intel quantum. Version 1.0 comes after the beta version debuted in September 2022. Among the novelties of the Intel Quantum 1.0 SDK, is that an intuitive C++-based programming interface is included.
This gives developers a familiar interface within the field of classical computing and enables collaboration between physicists and classical computing developers. The kit also includes a quantum execution environment optimized for run hybrid algorithms quantum-classical. Developers can choose between two target backends for simulating qubits: simulating a larger number of generic qubits or simulating Intel’s own hardware.
The first backend is a high performance, open source generic qubit simulator, the Intel Quantum Simulator (IQS). It has a backend capable of hosting 32 qubits in a single node and more than 40 qubits in multiple nodes. The second is a target backend that simulates Intel’s quantum dot qubit hardware and enables simulation of compact Intel silicon spin qubit models. Intel’s qubits harness the company’s expertise in making silicon transistors to build a large-scale quantum computer.
The Intel Quantum SDK enables a generic qubit simulator
In essence, Intel defines its SDK as the simulation of a complete quantum computer. This simulation can interface with Intel’s quantum hardware, including the control chip Horse Ridge II from intel. In addition to the chip quantum spin qubit from Intel (when available).
The kit allows developers programming quantum algorithms in simulation and features an intuitive programming interface written in C++ using an industry standard Low Level Virtual Machine (LLVM) compiler toolchain.
“The Intel Quantum SDK helps programmers prepare for the large-scale commercial quantum computers of the future. It will not only help developers learn to build quantum algorithms and applications in simulation, but it will also move the industry forward by creating a community of developers that will accelerate application development, so they are ready when Intel’s quantum hardware is available,” said Anne Matsuura, Director of Quantum Applications & Architecture, Intel Labs
Intel says that small workloads can be developed with the SDK to determine what functionality the quantum computer system architecture needs to run algorithms efficiently and accurately on qubits. Also, Intel is using the SDK internally to co-desEsports Extrasquantum hardware and software in tandem, accelerating system development.
Statements from the first beta testers
“The Intel Quantum SDK is easy to get started with, and since everything is in the cloud, all I need is a secure shell client. All while the simulator will generate very detailed reports so I can analyze and debug the kernels I write.” Said Gushu Li, an adjunct professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania.
“The Intel Quantum SDK is a game changer in quantum development. It allows the developer to operate closer to the hardware to better leverage resources.” Said Yaknan Gambo, a graduate student at Germany’s Deggendorf Institute of Technology.
“Intel’s Quantum SDK offered me a unique way to apply my knowledge of C to the quantum domain. It has helped me embrace quantum programming as if it were a classical language.” Said Jeremie Pope, a student in the Department of Computer Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.
“Leidos has enjoyed the versatility of its hardware-agnostic simulation for software development and benchmarking.” Said Elizabeth Iwasawa, quantum technology leader and research scientist at the Leidos Innovation Center.
“Even with the beta version, we explored a wide variety of research topics, from material modeling and quantum machine learning to theoretical investigation of thermofield double states.”
