Could a niche 80s technology be the key to better quantum computers?

February 27, 2026 - 08:16

A computing technology that briefly flared into prominence in the 1980s, only to be sidelined by silicon, is making a surprising comeback. This time, its potential lies not in classical computing, but as a foundational element for the next generation of quantum machines.

Superconducting computing circuits, once heralded as a future for high-speed processors, are now being re-engineered for a radically different purpose. At specialized quantum chip foundries, engineers are utilizing the unique properties of superconducting materials to create the core components of quantum computers: qubits. When cooled to temperatures colder than deep space, these circuits can exhibit the quantum mechanical effects necessary for processing information in ways impossible for classical computers.

Proponents argue that this approach offers a critical advantage in the race to build more powerful and stable quantum systems. The technology provides a highly controllable and manufacturable platform for qubits, potentially allowing for more complex and interconnected quantum processors to be built. While significant challenges remain in scaling up these systems and maintaining quantum coherence, the reinvestigation of this niche 80s-era innovation represents a fascinating fusion of historical engineering with cutting-edge quantum science. Its success could prove pivotal in moving quantum computing from experimental labs toward practical, scalable reality.