Trapped ions heat up the quantum computing race

A neglected approach to quantum computing is gaining traction in the quest to build a commercial quantum computer. The technique uses ions trapped in electric fields as the basis of its quantum bits, or ‘qubits’. Trapped-ion computing has long been sidelined by major companies such as IBM and Intel in favour of tiny superconducting loops. Tech-focused conglomerate Honeywell is leading the way, and smaller spin-out firms are making inroads, on a trapped-ion machine.