  The possibility of using strongly and continuously interacting spins for
quantum computation has recently been discussed. Here we present a simple
optical scheme that achieves this goal while avoiding the drawbacks of earlier
proposals. We employ a third state, accessed by a classical laser field, to
create an effective barrier to information transfer. The mechanism proves to be
highly efficient both for continuous and pulsed laser modes; moreover it is
very robust, tolerating high decay rates for the excited states. The approach
is applicable to a broad range of systems, in particular dense structures such
as solid state self-assembled (e.g., molecular) devices. Importantly, there are
existing structures upon which `first step' experiments could be immediately
performed.
