A color image quantum encryption using NCQI representation

In the digital, networked and visual age, the image has become the key medium for conveying information and knowledge. Image security has attracted increasing attention as the operation, sharing and communication in various fields. However, with the widespread use of networks, the security of image transmission faces serious challenges, including unauthorized access, tampering, and interception by malicious attackers. Traditional cryptographic methods play a limited role in image security in the cyber age. With the development of quantum computing and quantum communication, quantum image encryption has emerged, and it fully protects the image security from the perspective of quantum mechanics. When the image is encrypted in the quantum state, due to the quantum properties , quantum image encryption becomes extremely secure. As a result, it is impossible for classical computer technology to decode the encrypted images. Quantum Image Encryption not only protects against image theft and tampering but also enables secure image transmission.In this paper, we present a method for quantum encryption of color images based on NCQI representation and modification of RGB pixel positions and their values. In several steps, using NCQI representation and some quantum logic gates, we can identify the quantum state of the image and modify the RGB pixel values and positions. By calculating several parameters, we conclude this study with a statistical evaluation that proves the effectiveness and strength of our method. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of quantum cryptography by introducing a novel method tailored specifically for color image encryption, thereby advancing the capabilities of quantum secure communication protocols.