Logistic Map Image Cryptography Scheme Based on Chaotic Quantum Boson Sampling

Images are crucial for digital signal transmission and face significant security challenges due to the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Although classical cryptography based on logistic map is commonly used for image encryption, it is often susceptible to periodic and predictable behaviors arising from specific initial conditions and parameter settings. The predictability poses a risk to the security of encryption system. In response to the challenges, this paper presents a novel image cryptography scheme, as the logistic map image cryptography scheme based on chaotic quantum Boson sampling (LM-BS), which combines the encryption strength of the logistic map with the inherent unpredictability of chaotic quantum Boson sampling(QBS). LM-BS scheme takes advantage of the distinctive properties of random interference among bosons in quantum systems, significantly enhancing the sensitivity, randomness, and unpredictability of encryption keys, which effectively addresses the periodicity and predictability challenges associated with traditional chaotic systems. Moreover, the image encryption experiments are put on the silicon photonic chips and the StrawberryFields photonic platform by using LM-BS scheme on various grey-scale images. The experimental results indicate that the LM-BS enables reliable image encryption and decryption, reduces the risk of key leakage, and successfully ensures the security and privacy of image transmission. Overall, the LM-BS scheme lays a strong theoretical foundation for future encryption based on quantum computation and demonstrates the considerable potential for a wide range of applications. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.