Aligned Layer Introduction: How to Enhance Zero-Knowledge Proof Applications through Verification?

What is Aligned Layer? How does it enhance the efficiency of "verification" to improve zero-knowledge proofs and integration with Ethereum? Or why are these issues important? This article will briefly introduce the problems and positioning that Aligned Layer aims to solve in the industry.

This article is not investment advice.

What problem does Aligned Layer aim to solve?

Market Demand for Zero-Knowledge Proof Computation and Verification

Various applications such as zk-rollups, zkEVM, and zk coprocessors are emerging, offering potential to enhance the usage scenarios and efficiency of the Ethereum network. However, due to limitations in the blockchain architecture, these applications are unable to fully unleash their potential. The cost of computing and verifying zero-knowledge proofs remains high.

Recommended Reading: Introduction to zk Coprocessors: Improving Blockchain Product Efficiency through Data
Reasons for Recommendation: This article explains how coprocessors solve the issue of low data retrieval efficiency in blockchains, and introduces projects and frameworks like Brevis and Axiom to help understand the new application of zk coprocessors and the context behind proof submission.

Ethereum Was Not Initially Designed for Zero-Knowledge Proofs

When Ethereum was launched in 2015, it was not designed for ZK, but as zero-knowledge proof technology becomes increasingly important for the Web3 industry, the most efficient means of incorporating these technologies into Ethereum is gaining community attention.

Ethereum was not initially designed with zero-knowledge proofs or validity proofs in mind, so adding these elements now is inefficient.

Integrating zero-knowledge proofs into Ethereum's protocol to improve the proof system is a slow and challenging process.

This may increase the network's security risks. The system's security could be compromised by any verifier in the chain, as the security of the entire system depends on its weakest link. For example, maintaining quantum resistance with a pair-based proof system is unfeasible.

What if Ethereum faces a quantum attack? Vitalik: No need to worry

Generation has been done, but what about verification?

Many infrastructures are emerging in the market to enhance Ethereum's computation and verification of zero-knowledge proofs. It's important to note that zero-knowledge proofs involve both generation and verification aspects. While the zk proof aggregation layer, also known as the zk shared proof layer, addresses the computational costs of generating zero-knowledge proofs, the verification costs after submitting the proofs to Ethereum remain slow. Hence, infrastructure alternatives for Ethereum verification, such as the zk verification layer, are emerging.

Aligned Layer aims to provide individuals or projects submitting zero-knowledge proofs with a faster verification method, expanding the last mile of the zero-knowledge proof domain - verification - into a separate network for scalability.

Recommended Reading: Introduction to Shared Proof Layer: Why It's a Crucial Modular Development Foundation?
Reasons for Recommendation: This article clearly explains what the zk shared proof layer is, how it addresses the high costs of generating zero-knowledge proofs, and can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic when read alongside this article.

Introduction to Aligned Layer

Built on EigenLayer

Aligned Layer will be an AVS built on EigenLayer, using a re-collateralization system to create a verification layer for zero-knowledge proofs.

Recommended Reading: How will Re-Collateralization Project EigenLayer Change Web3 Infrastructure?
Reasons for Recommendation: This article comprehensively explains EigenLayer's design principles, problem-solving, current development status, providing a quick understanding of its innovative product positioning and design architecture, which can further enhance understanding of the upcoming content.

Rapid Verification of SNARK Paths

Aligned Layer offers a verification solution that reduces time and cost, allowing developers to choose whether to wait for proofs to be verified on Ethereum or submit the proofs to Aligned Layer for fast soft verification. After Ethereum mainnet verifies the single zero-knowledge proof packaged by Aligned Layer, final confirmation is obtained.

The team does not endorse any specific type of zk-SNARK proof but supports all developments involving zero-knowledge technology. Aligned Layer aims to maximize the benefits of verifying any SNARK proof, ensuring that the security of Ethereum validators is not restricted by its technology.

Aligned Layer's goal is to transform Ethereum into an efficient and cost-effective SNARK verification platform.

Additionally, Aligned Layer can utilize the Data Availability Layer (DA) to further reduce proof storage costs.

Aligned Layer Does Not Adopt EVM

The team states that EVM was not designed for ZK verification, making most verifications costly. Furthermore, the current EVM cannot handle operations exceeding 30,000,000 Gas per block.

To enhance verification efficiency, Aligned Layer will use a node-local virtual machine instead of EVM.

The Aligned Layer team believes that by improving efficiency, they can verify proof systems in Ethereum that are currently impractical, such as excessively large zero-knowledge proofs.

Potential Use Cases of Aligned Layer

The team believes that by creating a new settlement layer, Aligned Layer can achieve fast finality soft verification, improving operational efficiency for many services based on zero-knowledge proofs. For example, application chains based on zk-rollups, rapid cross-chain communication based on zk proof, oracles based on zk proof communication, coprocessors providing zk proof.

Near and EigenLayer create fast settlement layer SFFL to achieve Layer2 rapid communication

This article does not constitute investment advice