Enhancing blockchain scalability through zero-knowledge proofs: A novel block finality system for near protocol

This paper presents a novel zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) system for block finality verification in the NEAR Protocol, addressing critical challenges in blockchain scalability and security. We introduce a comprehensive ZKP-based verification system that encompasses block hash, signature, validator key and stake, and next block producer hash verification. Our approach achieves constant-time verification for light clients, regardless of block size or complexity, significantly enhancing the efficiency and security of light client operations. By leveraging advanced cryptographic techniques, including the Plonky2 framework, we demonstrate the feasibility of using ZKPs in high-throughput blockchain networks. Our performance evaluation provides valuable insights into the scalability and efficiency of ZKP systems in real-world blockchain environments. Results show consistent proof verification times of approximately 4 milliseconds across varying block sizes, with aggregated proof sizes remaining constant at 180,112 bytes. While proof generation times range from 13 to 18 minutes per block, the rapid verification time and compact proof size offer substantial benefits for light clients and cross-chain communication. This work contributes to the ongoing research in blockchain scalability, offering a practical solution that maintains security and decentralization while significantly reducing computational and bandwidth requirements for blockchain participants.