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Physical cryptographic verification of nuclear warheads.


ABSTRACT: 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.

SUBMITTER: Kemp RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4978267 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Physical cryptographic verification of nuclear warheads.

Kemp R Scott RS   Danagoulian Areg A   Macdonald Ruaridh R RR   Vavrek Jayson R JR  

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20160718 31


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 reso  ...[more]

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