Physical cryptographic verification of nuclear warheads
- Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
How does one prove a claim about a highly sensitive object such as a nuclear weapon without revealing information about the object?This paradox has challenged nuclear arms control for more than five decades. We present a mechanism in the form of an interactive proof system that can validate the structure and composition of an object, such as a nuclear warhead, to arbitrary precision without revealing either its structure or composition. We introduce a tomographic method that simultaneously resolves both the geometric and isotopic makeup of an object. We also introduce a method of protecting information using a provably secure cryptographic hash that does not rely on electronics or software. These techniques, when combined with a suitable protocol, constitute an interactive proof system that could reject hoax items and clear authentic warheads with excellent sensitivity in reasonably short measurement times.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development (NA-22)
- Contributing Organization:
- aLaboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139; Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States). Lab. for Nuclear Security and Policy
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0002534
- OSTI ID:
- 1264781
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1367519; OSTI ID: 1367533
- Journal Information:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Vol. 113 Journal Issue: 31; ISSN 0027-8424
- Publisher:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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