Quantum memory and quantum computations in the optical subradiance regime

The possibilities of creation and manipulation of subradiant states in an extended atomic system by coherent 2π pulses are analysed. It is shown that excitation of the atomic system to collective subradiant states eliminates the superradiant broadening of the resonance line in quantum optical memory devices. The scheme of a nonlinear sign-shift two-qubit gate is proposed, which can be used in optical quantum computers.