An efficient ESOP minimization-based quantum image encryption scheme using chaotic quantum substitution and permutation boxes

In this work, we propose a novel, secure, and efficient quantum image encryption scheme using quantum permutation and substitution boxes. The P- and S-boxes are generated using 1D and 3D key-dependent chaotic systems. The encryption algorithm comprises three main steps: S-box substitution, pixel-wise XORing, and P-box permutation, which are applied sequentially in multiple rounds. The proposed quantum encryption algorithm is optimized using an exclusive-or sum-of-products (ESOP) minimization technique that significantly reduces the number of operations. Classical simulation and various numerical evaluations demonstrate the durability of the encryption technique and the resilience of the encrypted image to a variety of attacks. To increase clarity, a comprehensive explanation of the encryption process using quantum circuits is given in the appendix for a \(4\times 4\) image, together with simulation results.