Quantum computing with magnetically interacting atoms

We propose a scalable quantum-computing architecture based on cold atoms confined to sites of a tight optical lattice. The lattice is placed in a nonuniform magnetic field and the resulting Zeeman sublevels define qubit states. Microwave pulses tuned to space-dependent resonant frequencies are used for individual addressing. The atoms interact via magnetic-dipole interactions allowing implementation of a universal controlled-NOT gate. The resulting gate operation times for alkalis-metals are on the order of milliseconds, much faster then the anticipated decoherence times. Single qubit operations take about $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}s}$. Analysis of motional decoherence due to NOT operations is given. We also comment on the improved feasibility of the proposed architecture with complex open-shell atoms, such as Cr, Eu, and metastable alkaline-earth atoms with larger magnetic moments.