# ChainSafe Cannon R&D Proposed Scope

## Cannon Memory Merklization R&D

### Instrumentation of FPVM:

- Create a strategy for measuring the costs incurred by the memory merkle data structure for both cache invalidation and memory merklization when running the op-program. See [open issue](https://github.com/ethereum-optimism/optimism/issues/11695)
- - This may include contributing the [fp-tests framework](https://github.com/ethereum-optimism/fp-tests) if appropriate

### Survey and Implementation of alternative constructions:

- Refactor Cannon to allow modular switching of memory merklization strategy
- Assess alternative Merkle data structures. This may include, but is not limited to
- - Truncated hexary radix trie (see [Howitzer implementation](v))
- - Any other novel construction that does not introduce new cryptography or assumptions
- For each construction quantify the costs for off-chain emulation and also calculate/estimate the on-chain costs and implementation complexity.
- Collate results and present comparisons