A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification
Abstract
Zero-knowledge proofs are mathematical cryptographic methods to demonstrate the validity of a claim while providing no further information beyond the claim itself. The possibility of using such proofs to process classified and other sensitive physical data has attracted attention, especially in the field of nuclear arms control. Here we demonstrate a non-electronic fast neutron differential radiography technique using superheated emulsion detectors that can confirm that two objects are identical without revealing their geometry or composition. Such a technique could form the basis of a verification system that could confirm the authenticity of nuclear weapons without sharing any secret design information. More broadly, by demonstrating a physical zero-knowledge proof that can compare physical properties of objects, this experiment opens the door to developing other such secure proof-systems for other applications.
- Authors:
-
[2];
- Princeton Univ., NJ (United States)
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- Univ. of Pisa (Italy); Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (United States). School of Medicine
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States); Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE
- OSTI Identifier:
- 1332310
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0002534
- Resource Type:
- Accepted Manuscript
- Journal Name:
- Nature Communications
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 7; Journal ID: ISSN 2041-1723
- Publisher:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION; Experimental nuclear physics; Imaging techniques; Information theory and computation
Citation Formats
Philippe, Sébastien, Goldston, Robert J., Glaser, Alexander, and d’Errico, Francesco. A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification. United States: N. p., 2016.
Web. doi:10.1038/ncomms12890.
Philippe, Sébastien, Goldston, Robert J., Glaser, Alexander, & d’Errico, Francesco. A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification. United States. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12890
Philippe, Sébastien, Goldston, Robert J., Glaser, Alexander, and d’Errico, Francesco. Tue .
"A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification". United States. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12890. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1332310.
@article{osti_1332310,
title = {A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification},
author = {Philippe, Sébastien and Goldston, Robert J. and Glaser, Alexander and d’Errico, Francesco},
abstractNote = {Zero-knowledge proofs are mathematical cryptographic methods to demonstrate the validity of a claim while providing no further information beyond the claim itself. The possibility of using such proofs to process classified and other sensitive physical data has attracted attention, especially in the field of nuclear arms control. Here we demonstrate a non-electronic fast neutron differential radiography technique using superheated emulsion detectors that can confirm that two objects are identical without revealing their geometry or composition. Such a technique could form the basis of a verification system that could confirm the authenticity of nuclear weapons without sharing any secret design information. More broadly, by demonstrating a physical zero-knowledge proof that can compare physical properties of objects, this experiment opens the door to developing other such secure proof-systems for other applications.},
doi = {10.1038/ncomms12890},
journal = {Nature Communications},
number = ,
volume = 7,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2016},
month = {Tue Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2016}
}
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Works referencing / citing this record:
Nuclear disarmament verification via resonant phenomena
journal, March 2018
- Hecla, Jake J.; Danagoulian, Areg
- Nature Communications, Vol. 9, Issue 1
A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances
journal, September 2019
- Engel, Ezra M.; Danagoulian, Areg
- Nature Communications, Vol. 10, Issue 1
Fit for Purpose: An Evolutionary Strategy for the Implementation and Verification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
journal, July 2019
- Patton, Tamara; Philippe, Sébastien; Mian, Zia
- Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, Vol. 2, Issue 2
A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances
text, January 2019
- Engel, Ezra M.; Danagoulian, Areg
- arXiv
A physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances
text, January 2019
- Engel, Ezra M.; Danagoulian, Areg
- arXiv