Exploration of BitVM Optimization Solutions

BitVM, as a technological solution for implementing general computation verification on the Bitcoin network, holds significant importance. However, the current BitVM technology is still in its early stages and has some issues regarding efficiency and security. This article proposes several optimization directions to further enhance the performance and practicality of BitVM.

1. Reducing the Number of Interactions Based on Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Using zero-knowledge proof technology can effectively reduce the number of interaction rounds in the challenge-response of BitVM. By transforming the challenge object from the original algorithm to the verification algorithm, the challenge cycle can be greatly shortened, improving efficiency. By combining ZK Fraud Proof and On-Demand ZK Proof models, computational overhead can be reduced while maintaining optimism.

2. Adopting a Bitcoin-friendly one-time signature scheme

Lamport signatures are a fundamental component of BitVM, but the signature and public key lengths are relatively large. It may be worth considering more compact solutions such as Winternitz one-time signatures, which can reduce storage overhead and transaction costs by about 50% while ensuring security.

3. Design Bitcoin-Friendly Hash Functions

Due to the limitations of Bitcoin scripts, it is necessary to design Bitcoin-friendly hash functions suitable for BitVM. Optimizations can be made based on existing functions like BLAKE3, or new Bitcoin-friendly hash functions can be explored to achieve efficient Merkle proof verification and other functionalities.

4. Introduction of Scriptless Scripts

The Scriptless Scripts technology allows for some computations to be offloaded off-chain, thereby reducing on-chain storage and verification costs. This not only improves efficiency and privacy but also expands the functionality of BitVM.

5. Implementing a Permissionless Multi-party Challenge Mechanism

Expand BitVM to a permissionless multi-party challenge model, which can further reduce trust assumptions. Security issues such as witch attacks and delay attacks need to be addressed, along with the design of a reasonable incentive mechanism and dispute resolution algorithm.

The above optimization plan is expected to significantly improve the performance, security, and applicability of BitVM, contributing to the expansion and ecological prosperity of the Bitcoin network. Further exploration and practice are needed in the future to fully realize the potential of BitVM.