Quantum computer on a class of one-dimensional Ising systems

We discuss the problem of designing a quantum computer based on one-dimensional “alternating” Ising systems (linear chains with periodically recurring spin groups) in an external magnetic field which exceeds the interaction between spins. Loading and processing of information in the alternating Ising system may be accomplished by using a scheme suggested recently by Lloyd for heteropolymer systems. The detailed operation of a simple quantum logical device is described in the framework of a binary Ising system. Estimates of physical parameters are presented that show that the experimental realization of such quantum computer elements would be feasible as a research task. However, many difficulties remain to be addressed, before the approach discussed here would be applicable in real devices.