Thermodynamic State Decay for Sustainable Blockchain Architecture

Abstract

We present EvaporChain, a Layer 1 blockchain where every state object carries an energy parameter that depletes over time. Objects whose energy reaches zero evaporate from active state, leaving behind a compact cryptographic proof. Every block transition folds into a recursive proof, producing a constant-size output regardless of chain length. All signatures are post-quantum secure from genesis. The result is the first blockchain that becomes lighter over time.

Contents

1. Abstract
2. 1. Introduction
3. 2. The State Growth Problem
4. 3. Thermodynamic State Model
5. 4. Energy Decay Mechanics
6. 5. Evaporation and Ghost Records
7. 6. Dual State Commitment
8. 7. Recursive Proof Architecture
9. 8. Consensus Layer
10. 9. Decay-Native Smart Contracts
11. 10. Post-Quantum Cryptography
12. 11. Economic Model
13. 12. Benchmarks
14. 13. Related Work
15. 14. Conclusion
16. References