Qubit Optimized Quantum Implementation of SLIM
For cryptographers and quantum computing researchers, this work provides a qubit-optimized quantum circuit for a lightweight cipher, though the improvement is incremental over existing quantum implementations of similar block ciphers.
This paper presents a quantum implementation of the SLIM lightweight block cipher that uses a minimal number of qubits while maintaining cryptographic strength, offering a resource-efficient candidate for quantum-resistant encryption.
The advent of quantum computing has profound implications for current technologies, offering advancements in optimization while posing significant threats to cryptographic algorithms. Public-key cryptosystems relying on prime factorization or discrete logarithms are particularly vulnerable, whereas block ciphers (BCs) remain secure through increased key lengths. In this study, we introduce a novel quantum implementation of SLIM, a lightweight block cipher optimized for 32-bit plaintext and an 80-bit key, based on a Feistel structure. This implementation distinguishes itself from other BC quantum implementations in its class (64-128-bit) by utilizing a minimal number of qubits while maintaining robust cryptographic strength and efficiency. By employing an innovative design that minimizes qubit usage, this work highlights SLIM's potential as a resource-efficient and secure candidate for quantum-resistant encryption protocols.