Ion Traps vs. Superconducting – Which Is the Better Quantum Technology?
Discover a fascinating subject that few people know about.
More and more people are talking about Quantum Computing, whether in the media or in the investment world where everyone fears one thing: missing out on the Next Big Thing.
However, very few people know enough about the nascent Quantum Computing industry to know that there are two main competing technologies for quantum computers: superconducting loops and ion traps.
In the rest of this article, I'll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each, but above all - and this is what we're also interested in - which one is considered the most promising for the future.
For almost 10 years now, Quantum Computing has been evolving from a theoretical concept into a practical technology. From the outset, however, only one approach has been favored: that of superconducting loops. Intel and IBM's quantum computers are based on superconducting technology. It is also this technology that has enabled Google to achieve “quantum supremacy” in 2019.
Recently, however, several market players have turned to another approach: trapped ions. Earlier in 2020, Honeywell launched the first quantum computer using trapped ions. This machine is the fruit of more than a decade's work. In October 2024, the North Carolina-based company unveiled an updated version of its machine. At the same time, IonQ, a firm founded by the University of Maryland, also announced an ion-trap computer capable of rivaling those of IBM and Google.
Other organizations, such as Universal Quantum in the UK and Alpine Quantum Technology in Austria, are also developing projects based on trapped ions. These two approaches to quantum computing are now in rivalry.
What are ion traps?
Trapped-ion quantum computers predate superconducting loops. The first quantum circuit, created in 1951, was based on this technique. However, it is only today that it is sufficiently viable to be considered for commercial systems.
A conventional computer stores information in binary form as bits (1 and 0). Quantum computers, on the other hand, store information in the form of “qubits” or quantum bits, superimposing 1's and 0's. This is what enables quantum computers to handle massive computing operations impossible to perform on a conventional computer.
Any system allowing two quantum mechanical states can form a qubit. This is the case of oscillations in a superconducting loop, or of the energy levels of an ion. A computer based on ion traps stores information in the energy levels of individually charged atoms in an electric field. This is how qubits are formed.
However, a quantum computer requires millions of individually controllable qubits, and these qubits must also be of high quality and properly connected. Each approach therefore has its advantages and disadvantages.
How do you measure the power of a quantum computer?
For a long time, laboratories have been competing to create the quantum computer with the most qubits. However, this criterion alone is not enough to assess the performance of a quantum computer. In June 2020, Honeywell claimed to have created the most powerful quantum computer by measuring its “quantum volume”. This metric takes into account not only the number of qubits but also the connectivity between them, the “noise” and the error rate, to assess the complexity of the problems the machine can solve.
Honeywell's computer, for example, has a quantum volume of 64. At the time, by comparison, IBM's most advanced machine made do with a quantum volume of 32. Nevertheless, quantum volume is still not a full measure of a quantum computer's performance.
Front-end comparisons are not always relevant either, since performance also depends on the task at hand. In general, therefore, it's best to take the “world records” of quantum computing companies with a grain of salt. Each company seeks to attract the limelight with mainstream announcements such as the one made in December 2024 by Google and its 105-qubit Willow quantum processor.
To date, the best way to measure the power of a quantum computer is to assess its ability to outperform a classical machine in solving a concrete problem. This “quantum advantage” is indeed what makes such a system so interesting!
The quantum computing match: Ion Traps Vs. Superconducting
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of superconducting loops. This approach has enjoyed popularity with many companies, not least because its basic components are compatible with traditional chip technologies.
However, ion traps offer several advantages. Quantum computers based on this approach are less prone to errors, and the quantum states of individual ions last longer than those of qubits based on superconduction.
In addition, superconducting qubits tend to interact only with their nearest neighbors. Trapped ions, on the other hand, can interact more freely, making complex calculations easier.
On the other hand, interactions between trapped ions are slower. This makes it more difficult to account for system errors in real time. The number of ions in a single trap is also limited.
For example, the latest IonQ model contains 32 ions trapped on a chain. Lasers are used to bring about interaction between two ions. To expand its system to several hundred qubits, IonQ plans to link multiple chains using photons. The company intends to double the number of qubits in its machines every year.
The challenge is to maintain the quality and precision of the qubits by controlling dozens or even hundreds of them simultaneously. So far, neither Honeywell nor IonQ have succeeded.
For the time being, it is impossible to determine which of these two technologies is the most efficient or the most suitable for the future of Quantum Computing. In the long term, it is possible that quantum computers will adopt a hybrid approach, or that different platforms will be used for different tasks...
Some everyday applications of Quantum Computing
While Quantum Computing is often associated with complex fields such as cryptography or molecular simulation, its potential applications in everyday life offer fascinating prospects. Unexpected sectors could benefit from the power of quantum computers, transforming our everyday lives in surprising ways.
Generative art and enhanced creativity
In the field of art, quantum computers could revolutionize generative art. Thanks to their ability to explore countless combinations in record time, they could generate unique images, music, or designs by exploiting advanced creative algorithms. This technology could become a valuable tool for artists, opening up unprecedented possibilities for innovation.
Environmental analysis and preservation of the planet
Quantum Computing could also be a valuable ally in solving environmental challenges. For example, it could simulate complex ecosystems to better understand the impacts of climate change, or optimize the management of natural resources. Such advances could help to design more effective solutions for preserving the environment.
Gaming and immersive experiences
In the video game industry, quantum computers could enable massive, hyper-realistic simulations, offering unprecedented immersive experiences. They could also optimize gameplay mechanics in real-time or develop more responsive and natural artificial intelligence, making games more engaging.
These examples demonstrate that the impact of Quantum Computing will extend far beyond laboratories and supercomputers, bringing innovations directly into our everyday lives.
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