Natural and artificial atoms for quantum computation. (arXiv:1002.1871v1 [quant-ph])

Natural and artificial atoms for quantum computation. (arXiv:1002.1871v1 [quant-ph]): "

Remarkable progress towards realizing quantum computation has been achieved
using natural and artificial atoms. On the one hand, natural atoms (such as
neutral atoms and ions) have long coherence times, and could be stored in large
arrays, providing ideal 'quantum memories'. On the other hand, artificial atoms
(such as superconducting circuits or semiconductor quantum dots) have the
advantage of custom-designed features and could be used as 'quantum processing
units'. Natural and artificial atoms can be coupled with each other and can
also be interfaced with photons for long-distance communications. Hybrid
devices made of natural/artificial atoms and photons may provide the
next-generation design for quantum computers.

"