A recently published journal article by researchers at BTQ, a start -up that works to build blockchain technology that can withstand quantum computers attacks have suggested an alternative to the proof of work (POW) algorithm involving quantum technology.
Proof of work is a blockchain -consensus mechanism that ensures the Bitcoin network. Participants are crushed through large amounts of mathematical problems to validate transactions. Some have criticized the process as for energy intensive, while others have argued to the opposite.
Quantum calculation involves moving away from a process that depends on binary code, those and zeros that open and close transistor ports. Quant-bits (QUBITS) are found in several states simultaneously, enormously increasing calculation power to the point where modern encryption built by classic computers-dependent by transistors and binary code threats.
In its paper, BTQ scientists suggest a quantum-based alternative called coarse-grained Boson sampling (CGBS). This method uses light particles (bosons) to generate unique pattern-sampla-there reflects blockchain’s current state instead of hash-based math riddles.
The random sampling of these patterns would create encryption, just as random numbers form the backbone of encryption by classic computers.
Boson-Sampling was originally created to demonstrate something called Quantum Supremacy, a test that decides when a mathematical equation is too complicated for a classic computer.
These samples are grouped into categories, called Bins, which makes it easier to validate the results and confirm the miner’s work.
This approach replaces traditional cryptographic puzzles with pow with quantum sampling tasks, which significantly reduces energy consumption, while the network remains safe and decentralized.
While BTQ’s suggestions are theoretically interesting, achieving a hard fork of the Bitcoin network with miners and nodes that replace their existing ASIC-based hardware (computers made exclusively for the pow consensus mechanism) with quantum infrastructure.
This would definitely be a Herculean effort and can result in a fork, seen with the block sizes from the years earlier.
Read more: Blocksize Wars Revisited: How Bitcoin’s Civil War still resonates today
