A quantum computing system, method and computer readable storage medium involve tuning a whispering-gallery mode optical resonator to support a resonance frequency associated with a transition frequency of an atom. Operation of a laser is controlled to cause the atom to be trapped adjacent the optical resonator and within the evanescent field portion. Based on an atom presence signal from an optical atom presence detector, an indication is provided that the atom is trapped adjacent the optical resonator. A frequency of a cooling laser is controlled to cool the atom, and the optical resonator is configured to define a closed loop-like mode including an evanescent field portion. The trapping laser is configured to cause the atom to be trapped adjacent the whispering-gallery mode resonator, and the cooling laser is configured to manipulate a state of the atom to thereby cool the atom.