Quantum logic gates in optical lattices

We propose a new system for implementing quantum logic gates: neutral atoms trapped in a very far-off-resonance optical lattice. Pairs of atoms are ma de to occupy the same well by varying the polarization of the trapping lase rs, and then a near-resonant electric dipole is induced by an auxiliary las er. A controlled-NOT can be implemented by conditioning the target atomic r esonance on a resolvable level shift induced by the control atom. Atoms int eract only during logical operations, thereby suppressing decoherence.