=nil;'s zkEVM1

This paper introduces =nil;'s zkEVM1, a secure and updatable Type-1 zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine). The authors propose a novel approach to address security vulnerabilities in existing zkEVM circuits by compiling production-used EVM implementations through zkLLVM, a circuit compiler. This method aims to improve the security and auditability of zkEVM circuits, ensuring a more robust and trustworthy Ethereum execution environment. The paper details a three-layer architecture for the zkEVM, including preprocessing, low-level circuits, and root layers, along with various proofs and arithmetization techniques. The authors also discuss the use of flexible gates and general non-native arithmetics to optimize circuit efficiency. 

To learn more about this approach to zkEVM security, read the full paper here.