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 [0〉 while two closely spaced upper states being qubit ｜1〉. Throughout the scheme the cavities can be in thermal states but axe only virtually excited. We show how to create the cluster states by performing a two-step hut no single-qubit operation. Discussion is also carried out on the experimental feasibility of our scheme.
