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.

翻译：量子计算的出现对现有技术具有深远影响，在优化领域带来进步的同时，也对密码算法构成重大威胁。依赖素数分解或离散对数的公钥密码系统尤其脆弱，而分组密码（BCs）通过增加密钥长度仍能保持安全。在本研究中，我们提出了一种新颖的SLIM量子实现方案，SLIM是一种基于Feistel结构、针对32位明文和80位密钥优化的轻量级分组密码。该实现方案通过使用最少数量的量子比特，同时保持强大的密码强度和效率，从而区别于同类（64-128位）的其他分组密码量子实现。通过采用创新设计以最小化量子比特使用，本工作凸显了SLIM作为抗量子加密协议中资源高效且安全候选方案的潜力。