A quantum image encryption algorithm based on the Feistel structure

Due to the fact that many classical numerical methods have not yet mature quantum counterparts, quantum circuit design is very important in quantum image processing. In this paper, using the novel enhanced quantum representation (NEQR) model, an image encryption algorithm based on Feistel structure is carried out in quantum computer by giving the encryption quantum circuits. First, the modified Feistel structure for image encryption is proposed. It is a 128-bit block cipher and requires 16-bit subkeys to encrypt the image, and it is a mixture of Feistel and substitution–permutation network; then, the detailed quantum circuits design of the encryption algorithm are given. Through numerical simulation and analysis, it is verified that the proposed quantum image encryption algorithm is effective and can resist statistical attacks effectively.