A physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel physical zero-knowledge verification method using neutron radiography to confirm nuclear warhead authenticity without revealing sensitive details, advancing secure arms control verification.

Contribution

It introduces a non-electronic, fast neutron differential radiography technique as a physical zero-knowledge proof system for nuclear verification, a novel approach in the field.

Findings

Demonstrated a neutron radiography method that confirms object identity without revealing details.

Showed the technique's potential for secure nuclear warhead verification.

Opened possibilities for other secure physical proof systems.

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.