SHRINCS: 324-byte stateful post-quantum signatures with static backups

The SHRINCS protocol, initially designed to enhance the efficiency and security of digital signatures, has been further optimized for Liquid through a specialized version named SHRINCS-L. This optimization focuses on reducing the computational load required for signature verification, a crucial aspect for blockchain technologies. By adjusting the signature size and the number of hash operations needed, SHRINCS-L offers a significant improvement in performance metrics compared to both its predecessor and other Simplicity verifiers.

In terms of energy consumption, which is an essential consideration for blockchain operations, the comparison between different signature verifiers reveals the efficiency of SHRINCS-L. While the standard SLH-DSA verifier consumes approximately 770,000 kWU, the original stateless SHRINCS requires around 222,000 kWU. The SHRINCS-L, however, operates at a much lower energy level, with its stateless version consuming about 92,500 kWU and its stateful version even less, at approximately 37,800+ kWU.

The detailed specifications provided elucidate the technical adjustments made to achieve these efficiencies. Key parameters such as the number of hash operations, key sizes, and signature dimensions are meticulously tailored to optimize performance without compromising security. For instance, the stateful version of SHRINCS-L showcases varying operational costs based on the number of transactions (q), highlighting its scalability and adaptability to different workload scenarios.

Furthermore, real-world application evidence supports the theoretical advantages of SHRINCS-L. Transactions recorded on the Liquid mainnet demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of both stateful and stateless versions of SHRINCS-L, indicating its reliability and potential for broader adoption within blockchain systems.

For additional insights and in-depth understanding, resources and data regarding SHRINCS-L's development, benchmarks, and specifications are accessible through provided links, including direct access to mainnet transactions exemplifying the protocol's application. This comprehensive approach ensures transparency and facilitates further research or adoption efforts by interested parties in the blockchain community.