The invention includes systems for and methods of performing quantum computation. The method of quantum computation includes preparing a set of one or more qubits capable of storing quantum information in 2.sup.n possible states, wherein the number of qubits n.gtoreq.1. The qubit set is subject to a decoherence mechanism that could cause a loss of quantum information stored in some but not all of the qubit states. The method also includes determining, via a quantum measurement of the qubit system or just by analyzing the decoherence of the qubit states, which of the 2.sup.n states or their superposition is/are not susceptible to decoherence. The method further includes encoding and processing quantum information in one or more of the decoherence-free states by controlling qubit-qubit interactions or via an electromagnetic interaction with the set of qubits.