A hybrid NEQR image encryption cryptosystem using two-dimensional quantum walks and quantum coding

• Published in: Signal processing 2023-04, Vol.205, p.108890, Article 108890
• Main Authors: Hao, Wentao, Zhang, Tianshuo, Chen, Xianyi, Zhou, Xiaoyi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Image Encryption; NEQR; Quantum right cyclic shift operator; Quantum XOR operator; Two-dimensional quantum walks
• ISSN: 0165-1684; 1872-7557
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sigpro.2022.108890

•Based on the quantum principle, a two-dimensional quantum walk model is designed with an infinite range of values.•Based on the initial image parameters, an adaptive quantum operator is proposed, which can effectively resist differential attacks.•A quantum encryption scheme is proposed to dislocate and diffuse quantum images.•The scheme enlarges the key space, and overcomes the problem of periodicity and systematic degeneration of chaotic system. Quantum mechanisms can provide strong security in image processing against the disadvantages of pseudorandom and periodic of traditional chaotic systems. Based on its uncertainty and measurement collapse principle, this study proposes an image encryption system based on two-dimensional quantum walks and quantum coding. First, a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) based on quantum entanglement and coherence principles is designed to generate a secret code stream inconsistent with the original image. Second, using the new enhanced quantum representation (NEQR) model, a quantum right cyclic shift operator and a quantum XOR operator are designed to obtain the final encrypted image. Experimental results and analysis show that the image encryption scheme has high security performance.