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arXiv:1711.01752

Quantum random number generator based on quantum tunneling effect

Haihan Zhou, Junlin Li, Pan, Dong, Weixing Zhang, Long, Guilu

Published Nov 6, 2017• 3 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed an experimental implementation of quantum random number generator(QRNG) with inherent randomness of quantum tunneling effect of electrons. We exploited InGaAs/InP diodes, whose valance band and conduction band shared a quasi-constant energy barrier. We applied a bias voltage on the InGaAs/InP avalanche diode, which made the diode works under Geiger mode, and triggered the tunneling events with a periodic pulse. Finally, after data collection and post-processing, our quantum random number generation rate reached 8Mb/s, and final data was verified by NIST test and Diehard test. Our experiment is characterized as an innovative low-cost, photonic source free, integratable or even chip-achievable method in quantum random number generation.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1711.01752

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In this paper, we proposed an experimental implementation of quantum random number generator(QRNG) with inherent randomness of quantum tunneling effect of electrons. We exploited InGaAs/InP diodes, whose valance band and conduction band shared a quasi-constant energy barrier. We applied a bias voltage on the InGaAs/InP avalanche diode, which made the diode works under Geiger mode, and triggered the tunneling events with a periodic pulse. Finally, after data collection and post-processing, our quantum random number generation rate reached 8Mb/s, and final data was verified by NIST test and Diehard test. Our experiment is characterized as an innovative low-cost, photonic source free, integratable or even chip-achievable method in quantum random number generation.
Random numbers are one of the key foundations of cryptography. This work implements a discrete quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the tunneling effect of electrons in an avalanche photo diode. Without any post-processing and conditioning, this QRNG can output raw sequences at a rate of 100 Mbps. Remarkably, the statistical min-entropy of the 8,000,000 bits sequence reaches 0.9944 bits/bit, and the min-entropy validated by NIST SP 800-90B reaches 0.9872 bits/bit. This metric is currently the highest value we have investigated for QRNG raw sequences. Moreover, this QRNG can continuously and stably output raw sequences with high randomness over extended periods. The system produced a continuous output of 1,174 Gbits raw sequence for a duration of 11,744 s, with every 8 Mbits forming a unit to obtain a statistical min-entropy distribution with an average value of 0.9892 bits/bit. The statistical min-entropy of all data (1,174 Gbits) achieves the value of 0.9951 bits/bit. This QRNG can produce high-quality raw sequences with good randomness and stability. It has the potential to meet the high demand in cryptography for random numbers with high quality.
For globally connected devices like smart phones, personal computers and Internet-of-things devices, the ability to generate random numbers is essential for execution of cryptographic protocols responsible for information security. Generally, a random number generator should be small, robust, utilize as few hardware and energy resources as possible, yet provide excellent randomness at a high enough speed (bitrate) for a given purpose. In this work we present a quantum random number generator (QRNG) which makes use of a photoelectric effect in single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) as a source of randomness and is scalable to any desired bitrate. We use the random flip-flop method in which random bits are obtained by periodic sampling of a randomly toggling flip-flop. For the first time we investigate this method in detail and find that, out of two main imperfections, bias is due only to hardware imperfections while autocorrelation predominantly resides with the method itself. SPADs are integrated on a silicon chip together with passive quenching and digital pulse-shaping circuitry, using a standard 180 nm CMOS process. A separate FPGA chip derives random numbers from the detection signals. The basic QRNG cell, made of only two SPADs and a few logic circuits, can generate up to 20 Mbit/s that pass NIST statistical tests without any further postprocessing. This technology allows integration of a QRNG on a single silicon chip using readily available industrial processes.
Quantum random-number generators (QRNGs) are important for numerical simulations, communication protocols, and numerous algorithms, as the true randomness coming from quantum mechanics is indispensable. Commercial QRNGs are being held back, though, because many schemes require photon sources and high-precision measurements, which increase cost and limit portability and stability. In this study, the variable time interval between quantum tunneling events in silicon diodes yield a small, reliable, chip-integrable device that churns out random numbers at 6.89 Mb/s.
In this paper, we have fabricated two quantum random number generators (QRNGs) based on different mechanisms. The first one is based on the photon time of arrival and produces high-quality random numbers without the need for post-processing but using expensive equipment. The second one is based on the tunneling effect in a Zener diode and produces random strings with comparable quality but using low-cost equipment. We then evaluated the random sequences from these QRNGs using a set of statistical tests and showed that they are suitable for special applications such as quantum technologies.
By measuring the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise of the superluminescent light emitting diodes, we propose and realize a quantum random number generator (QRNG) featured with practicability. In the QRNG, after the detection and amplification of the ASE noise, the data acquisition and randomness extraction which is integrated in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) are both implemented in real-time, and the final random bit sequences are delivered to a host computer with a real-time generation rate of 1.2 Gbps. Further, to achieve compactness, all the components of the QRNG are integrated on three independent printed circuit boards with a compact design, and the QRNG is packed in a small enclosure sized 140 mm × 120 mm × 25 mm. The final random bit sequences can pass all the NIST-STS and DIEHARD tests.