17: Chapter 17 Invitation to the Global Cryptography Conference

The base was filled with a unique atmosphere, a mixture of tension and excitement.

Theoretical derivation, simulation calculations, material growth coordination, experimental design... Under immense pressure, the work of the Xuance Group began to accelerate, like precisely meshed gears.

Topologist devoted more energy to the theoretical research of the bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃)-niobium nitride (NbN) system.

He conducted large-scale parameter scanning via tianhe-3 and, combined with the limited experimental data in the "Star Sea" library, preliminarily pinpointed a parameter "sweet spot" range that was slightly larger than the bismuth selenide system and had slightly lower tolerance requirements for the growth process.

At the same time, he began to build a simplified theoretical model of "Majorana zero-mode transport response" to provide theoretical predictions for more precise experimental concepts proposed by Shen Hong, such as "fractional quantum conductance."

Shen Hong's efficiency was extremely high.

He not only quickly completed the drafting of the cooperation plan with Professor Wu Qingquan's team at the National Laboratory of Materials Science (focusing on clarifying the growth goals, characterization requirements, and sample transfer process for the bismuth telluride-niobium nitride heterojunction), but also simultaneously submitted preliminary beam-time pre-application reports to the three major domestic high magnetic field/ultra-low temperature comprehensive platforms (Hefei, Capital, and Shanghai), detailing the scientific goals, technical routes, and expected results of the experiment.

Although most of the data in the report was based on theoretical simulations and literature research, the logic was clear and the requirements were well-defined, demonstrating profound professional expertise.

After receiving the formal coordination letter from the Jiuzhang Special Project headquarters, Professor Wu Qingquan's team showed great enthusiasm.

Professor Wu himself held an encrypted video conference with Lin Shen and Shen Hong.

This big shot in the field of material growth, with a pragmatic and sharp style, did not immediately agree after hearing Shen Hong's near-harsh requirements for sample quality (atomic-level interface flatness, precise and controllable stoichiometric ratio, superconducting layer Tc needing to reach above 17K, etc.), but instead threw out a series of specific questions regarding the details of the theoretical model, the specific tolerance of topological protection to interface defects, and the follow-up characterization docking plan for the samples.

Lin Shen and Topologist answered one by one, while Shen Hong added the specific constraints for measurements under extreme conditions.

After nearly two hours of in-depth exchange, Professor Wu finally nodded: "Theoretically feasible, the process challenges are immense, but it is worth a try."

We will immediately start the preliminary material target preparation and growth chamber debugging, striving to grow the first batch of samples within a month.

But I must say up front, the probability of failure is high; you must be mentally prepared, and the theoretical predictions will need to be fed back and corrected at any time based on the preliminary characterization results."

"No problem, Professor Wu! We will keep in touch at all times, and the theoretical group will closely follow up!" Lin Shen replied immediately.

Being able to obtain the commitment and cooperation of the top domestic material growth team was already a crucial step forward.

Just as the work of the Xuance Group was advancing with difficulty and the internal pressure had eased slightly, an invitation letter from the international academic community, after being passed through layers of transfer and strict review by the Jiuzhang Special Project headquarters and relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was delivered to Lin Shen.

The invitation came from the "International Conference on Cryptology and Information Security" (CryptoCon), one of the most authoritative and influential academic conferences in the field of global cryptography.

This year's conference will be held in Silicon Valley, the technological hub of the Federation.

The invitation was not sent to Lin Shen personally, but to the Jiuzhang Special Project, inviting the project to send representatives to attend a specially added thematic seminar session at the conference: "Cryptography Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-Quantum Era—Also Discussing the Impact of New Computing Paradigms on Existing Encryption Systems."

The invitation specifically mentioned the hope to hear the latest progress and insights from the Dragon Kingdom regarding "new computing paradigms" (alluding to quantum computing) and looked forward to "conducting open and frank academic exchanges."

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was by no means a simple academic invitation.

Against the backdrop of the Federation having just announced "quantum supremacy" and attempting to dominate the global quantum ecosystem, holding such a seminar in Silicon Valley, the birthplace of athena, its intention was self-evident.

This was not only a stage to showcase strength and set agendas, but also a window to test the reality and observe reactions, and perhaps even a pre-set examination room waiting for the Dragon Kingdom representatives to "make a fool of themselves" or "show their weakness."

There was disagreement within the Jiuzhang Special Project headquarters regarding this.

One faction believed that this was a rare opportunity to speak on an international top-tier academic stage, which could showcase our country's thinking and layout in the field of quantum computing and break the other side's unilateral shaping of public opinion; even if we could not produce hardware achievements like athena in the short term, we could certainly conduct high-quality exchanges in theory, algorithms, and application thinking.

The other faction believed that the risk was too great, the opponent had an obvious home-field advantage, and they had likely pre-set sharp or even difficult questions; if our representatives were unprepared or handled it improperly, it would be counterproductive, expose our shortcomings, and dampen morale, so it would be better to keep a low profile for now and focus on hard work.

The dispute was finally presented to Academician Qin and the senior management of the Special Project headquarters.

Academician Qin summoned Lin Shen, Sun Qiming, and several core staff officers of the Special Project headquarters to his office.

"Lin Shen, what do you think of this invitation?" Academician Qin got straight to the point, looking at Lin Shen with a calm gaze.

Lin Shen had long since pondered this question repeatedly.

He gathered his thoughts and replied: "Academician Qin, I think this is a challenge, but it is even more so an opportunity."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"The challenge lies in the fact that the other side is surely coming prepared."

They hold the physical achievement of 'athena' and occupy an absolute advantage in terms of psychology and public opinion.

The questions at the seminar are likely to be very sharp, pointing directly at the difficulties of our technical path, the flaws in our theoretical models, and even possibly questioning the feasibility and motivation of our entire 'Jiuzhang' plan.

If the representatives we send are even slightly lacking in theoretical depth, international perspective, and adaptability, we may fall into a passive position, be led by the other side's rhythm, fail to achieve the purpose of the exchange, and instead become a background board to set off 'athena'."

Academician Qin nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"However, this is also a rare opportunity." Lin Shen changed the subject, "First, this is a window to show our independent thinking and technical layout to international peers, especially those neutral countries and research institutions that may still be on the sidelines."

We cannot hide behind others' voices forever.

Secondly, through direct confrontation with top peers, we can test the depth and breadth of our own thinking, discover blind spots, and gain inspiration.

Finally, and most importantly," Lin Shen paused, his tone becoming firmer, "If handled properly, we might be able to subtly convey some information: the race for quantum computing is far from over, different technical paths have their own pros and cons, and the Dragon Kingdom is exploring all possible futures with an open and pragmatic attitude.

This in itself is a soft deconstruction and balance of the 'athena' hegemony narrative."

"Do you think anyone among us is capable of such a confrontation?" Academician Qin asked, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Lin Shen was silent for a moment.

He knew that behind this question was the inquiry of whether he himself dared to go and whether he had the capability to go.

"If the headquarters thinks it is necessary, and trusts me," Lin Shen raised his head, meeting Academician Qin's gaze, "I am willing to try."

But we cannot fight alone.

I need the support of a capable small team, including at least one top cryptography expert (to help us understand the challenges of post-quantum cryptography), one expert familiar with the ecosystem and discourse system of the international quantum computing academic community, as well as our core theoretical members (such as Researcher Topologist), in order to deal with specific technical issues that may be involved at any time.

We also need to conduct the most in-depth analysis of the technical details of 'athena' that have been announced and may be hidden, and anticipate the arguments they might raise."

After listening, Academician Qin tapped his fingers gently on the desk, thinking for a long time.

"Your analysis makes sense."

Hiding is not a solution.

The other side has already set up the ring at our doorstep; even if we don't have a heavyweight boxer for the time being, we should send a smart 'lightweight' up to maneuver, at least to figure out the opponent's tactics and show our stance." Academician Qin finally made a decision.

"I approve of Comrade Lin Shen leading the team." He looked at the general of the Special Project headquarters, "The composition of the team should follow Lin Shen's requirements; coordinate with the nation's top cryptography and international relations experts to join as soon as possible, and establish a temporary support group.

Lin Shen, as the frontline representative and main spokesperson, will be responsible for overall preparation and on-site response.

Remember, our primary goal is 'not to lose', to demonstrate demeanor and depth of thinking, not to compete for a moment of verbal sharpness.

On technical details, we can be frank about our explorations and difficulties, but the principles and direction must be clear and firm."

"Yes!" The general and Lin Shen replied simultaneously.

Once the decision was made, the related work was immediately started with extremely high priority.

A senior expert from the State Cryptography Administration and a professor who had long been engaged in scientific and technological diplomacy and international science and technology policy research were quickly drafted to join the temporary support group.

Topologist was also asked to compile a concise analysis report on the principled advantages of Topological Quantum Computing and the potential threats it might pose to specific cryptographic algorithms.

Lin Shen's workload instantly doubled.

He not only had to continue to advance the research of the Xuance Group but also had to lead the temporary team, cramming on cryptography knowledge, analyzing 'athena's' technical reports and published papers, simulating various problems and confrontation scenarios that might appear at the seminar, and preparing speeches and response plans.

Every day felt like a race against time.

During the day, he and his team conducted high-intensity simulated debates and deductions; at night, he returned to the base to handle the daily affairs of the Xuance Group, review the reports submitted by Topologist and Shen Hong, and communicate with Professor Wu Qingquan's team about the progress of sample growth.

The pressure was immense, but Lin Shen felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and clarity.

This feeling of fighting on multiple fronts and thinking on the edge of a blade was honing his comprehensive abilities at an unprecedented speed.

Just in the gaps of their intense preparation, Shen Hong brought mixed news: the Hefei High Magnetic Field Science Center gave a preliminary response, based on the "clear theoretical predictions and important scientific goals" submitted by the Xuance Group, in principle agreeing to arrange a three-day high magnetic field/ultra-low temperature joint measurement beam-time in four months, for the preliminary electrical transport characterization of the bismuth telluride-niobium nitride heterojunction samples.

But the condition was that at least two samples meeting the quality requirements must be provided by then, and more detailed experimental plans and safety assessments needed to be submitted in advance.

"Four months... time is tight." Shen Hong looked at Lin Shen, "The growth and preliminary characterization of the first batch of samples from Professor Wu's side will take at least a month and a half at the fastest.

If the sample quality does not meet the standards, or if multiple rounds of optimization are needed, it may take longer.

Moreover, even if we get the beam-time, three days is very limited, and it might only be enough for the most basic tests."

"Having a window is a victory!" Lin Shen said decisively, "Reply immediately, we accept this beam-time arrangement!

Urge Professor Wu's team to speed up the progress.

Topologist, your theoretical predictions need to be refined as soon as possible to the extent that they can guide specific measurement steps.

Engineer Shen, I will work overtime with you to get the experimental plan and safety assessment report done!

This is our Xuance Group's first real experimental verification opportunity, we must seize it!"

The goal became unprecedentedly specific and urgent.

The invitation to the Global Cryptography Conference was like an intellectual and psychological threshold that had to be crossed; and the high magnetic field beam-time four months later was a key physical experimental window that had to be seized to verify the theory.

Internal and external pressures were intertwined, and every second counted.

Lin Shen stood on the small observation platform (simulated) inside the base, looking at the flowing abstract light and shadow on the screen representing the data torrent, as if he could see two invisible fronts unfolding before him: one in the upcoming Silicon Valley conference room, concerning discourse and confidence; the other in the Hefei laboratory four months later, concerning evidence and breakthroughs.

No matter which one it was, he had no retreat, only to face the battle.

And the technology tree in his mind, near the [Topological Quantum Computing] node, those originally dim veins seemed to become clearer and more active because the path for experimental verification and the impending deadline were clear, as if they were accumulating energy, waiting to bloom a glimmer of light in the real world.