Intel is releasing the Quantum Software Development Kit 1.0. The SDK promises a full quantum computing stack in simulation with a customizable development environment.
Intel released the beta version of the Quantum SDK in September 2022. Now Intel considers the kit ready for wider availability. It allows developers to create small workloads to determine what functionality is needed from a quantum computing system architecture to run algorithms on qubits.
The SDK is described as a customizable and extensible platform. This should provide developers with the desired flexibility in developing quantum applications. Developers can also compare compiler files to determine how well an algorithm is optimized in the compiler. It allows users to see the source code and obtain lower levels of abstraction, giving them insight into how a system stores data.
Also read: Quantum computer startup PASQAL raises €100 million
Version 1.0
Version 1.0 includes an intuitive programming interface based on C++, according to Intel. The chip vendor thus aims to provide a programming language that classical computing developers are familiar with. It allows them to collaborate with quantum developers.
The kit also features a quantum runtime environment, optimized for running hybrid quantum classical algorithms. Developers have a choice of two target backends for simulating qubits, to represent a larger number of generic qubits or Intel hardware.
The first backend is “a high-performance open-source generic qubit simulator, Intel Quantum Simulator (IQS).” IQS has a backend that can handle 32 qubits on a node. On multiple nodes, it can handle more than 40 qubits.
The second backend simulates Intel quantum dot qubit hardware. The backend enables compact model simulation of Intel silicon spin qubits. Intel qubits use the company’s expertise in silicon transistor fabrication, to build a large quantum computer.
The Quantum SDK 1.0 is now available on the OneAPI Intel Dev Cloud. New versions of the SDK should appear in the future. In addition to new features, Intel plans to work on integrating the SDK into its quantum hardware.
11 hours ago
