Bitcoin Optech Newsletter #428

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Briefings

Bitcoin Optech Newsletter #428 (Oct 23, 2026) reports two technical proposals: a single-issuer layer 2 design called Lichen by Adam Gibson where users redeem tokens onchain without hub cooperation using Groth16 proofs, and a BIP379 extension by João Dias to add hash preimage support. The newsletter also lists recent client software updates including Ibis Wallet v5.0-beta, Landfall for Lightning mining, and rbitcoin 0.8.0. Key facts include Lichen's 2-of-2 contract mechanism, the use of Script verification for dispute resolution, and the proposal to treat preimages as keys rather than signatures.

Key points

Lichen is a single-issuer layer 2 design where users hold 2-of-2 contracts with a hub to redeem tokens onchain without the hub's cooperation, using Groth16 proofs to settle disputes if the hub refuses to sign a state recording.

João Dias proposed extending BIP379 to allow hash preimages to be imported directly into Bitcoin Core wallets, treating them like keys rather than signatures, though implementation details remain open.

Context

This newsletter summarizes recent Bitcoin infrastructure proposals and client software updates. The Lichen design aims to minimize trust by allowing users to exit layer 2 exits even if the hub is offline, while the preimage proposal seeks to improve wallet flexibility for spending conditions requiring specific hash values.

Limitations

Evidence covers two specific proposals and client releases but lacks broader adoption metrics, security audit results, or long-term impact analysis. Some technical details like the exact syntax for preimage markers remain unaddressed in the current evidence.

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