Cluster-state preparation in thermal cavities without single-qubit operation

A potential scheme is proposed for generating cluster states of many atoms in cavity quantum electradynamics (QED), in which an unorthodox encoding is employed with the ground state being qubit $\left\vert 0\right\rangle $ while two closely spaced upper states being qubit $\left\vert 1\right\rangle $. Throughout the scheme the cavities can be in thermal states but are only virtually excited. We show how to create the cluster states by performing a two-step but no single-qubit operation. Discussion is also carried out on the experimental feasibility of our scheme.