Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2007.07522 · Scientific Reports

Single Photon Randomness based on a Defect Center in Diamond

Xing Chen, Johannes Greiner, Jörg Wrachtrup, Ilja Gerhardt

Published Dec 5, 2019• 13 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The prototype of a quantum random number generator is a single photon which impinges onto a beam splitter and is then detected by single photon detectors at one of the two output paths. Prior to detection, the photon is in a quantum mechanical superposition state of the two possible outcomes with -ideally- equal amplitudes until its position is determined by measurement. When the two output modes are observed by a single photon detector, the generated clicks can be interpreted as ones and zeros - and a raw random bit stream is obtained. Here we implement such a random bit generator based on single photons from a defect center in diamond. We investigate the single photon emission of the defect center by an anti-bunching measurement. This certifies the "quantumness" of the supplied photonic input state, while the random "decision" is still based on the vacuum fluctuations at the open port of the beam-splitter. Technical limitations, such as intensity fluctuations, mechanical drift, and bias are discussed. A number of ways to suppress such unwanted effects, and an a priori entropy estimation are presented. The single photon nature allows for a characterization of the non-classicality of the source, and allows to determine a background fraction. Due to the NV-center's superior stability and optical properties, we can operate the generator under ambient conditions around the clock. We present a true 24/7 operation of the implemented random bit generator.

DOI
10.1038/s41598-019-54594-0

Related papers

Light on a beam splitter: More randomness with single photons

Lukas Oberreiter, Ilja Gerhardt

Abstract One of the most fundamental quantum random number generators is implemented with light impinging onto a beam splitter, and two single photon detectors at its output. Often, this generator is described as “a photon which takes one or other path towards a detector”. The input state of light in conjunction with the detector response is relevant for the amount, the pattern, and the correlation of the generated clicks. Only a fraction of all generator outcomes, the min‐entropy, can be used as a further resource for true randomness. This paper addresses the difference in the common description with incoming single photons and the often implemented scheme with a weak coherent light source, such as an attenuated laser. For this very fundamental and widely used configuration the amount of usable entropy is compared. If single photons from an anti‐bunched light source are supplied, the amount of entropy is higher than for the case of a supplied coherent state – although the latter can be arbitrarily bright unlike the single photon source. image

arXiv:1411.3499•Laser & Photonics Review•Nov 18, 2015•29 citations

Proposal for a quantum random number generator using coherent light and a non-classical observable

Christopher C. Gerry, Richard J. Birrittella, Paul M. Alsing +3 more

The prototype quantum random number (random bit) generator (QRNG) consists of one photon at a time falling on a 50:50 beam splitter followed by random detection in one or the other output beams due to the irreducible probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Due to the difficulties in producing single photons on demand, in practice, pulses of weak coherent (laser) light are used. In this paper, we take a different approach, one that uses moderate coherent light. It is shown that a QRNG can be implemented by performing photon-number parity measurements. For moderate coherent light, the probabilities of obtaining even or odd parity in photon counts are 0.5 each. Photon counting with single-photon resolution can be performed through use of a cascade of beam splitters and single-photon detectors, as was done recently in a photon-number parity-based interferometry experiment involving coherent light. We highlight the point that unlike most quantum-based random number generators, our proposal does not require the use of classical de-biasing algorithms or post-processing of the generated bit sequence.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Feb 15, 2022•5 citations

Proposal for a quantum random number generator using coherent light an a non-classical observable

Christopher C. Gerry, Richard J. Birrittella, Paul M. Alsing +3 more

The prototype quantum random number (random bit) generators (QRNG) consists of one photon at a time falling on a $50:50$ beam splitter followed by random detection in one or the other other output beams due to the irreducible probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Due to the difficulties in producing single photons on demand, in practice, pulses of weak coherent (laser) light are used. In this paper we take a different approach, one that uses moderate coherent light. It is shown that a QRNG can be implemented by performing photon-number parity measurements. For moderate coherent light, the probabilities for obtaining even or odd parity in photon counts are $0.5$ each. Photon counting with single-photon resolution can be performed through use of a cascade of beam splitters and single-photon detectors as was done recently in a photon-number parity-based interferometry experiment involving coherent light.

arXiv:2108.08743•Aug 19, 2021•0 citations

Multi-bit quantum random number generator from path-entangled single photons

K. Muhammed Shafi, Prateek Chawla, Abhaya S. Hegde +3 more

Abstract Measurement outcomes on quantum systems exhibit inherent randomness and are fundamentally nondeterministic. This has enabled quantum physics to set new standards for the generation of true randomness with significant applications in the fields of cryptography, statistical simulations, and modeling of the nondeterministic behavior in various other fields. In this work, we present a scheme for the generation of multi-bit random numbers using path-entangled single photons. For the experimental demonstration, we generate a path-entangled state using single photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) and assign a multi-qubit state for them in path basis. One-bit and two-bit random numbers are then generated by measuring entangled states in the path basis. In addition to passing the NIST tests for randomness, we also demonstrate the certification of quantumness and self-certification of quantum random number generator (QRNG) using Clauser, Horne, Shimony and Holt (CHSH) inequality violation. We also record the significantly low autocorrelation coefficient from the raw bits generated and this along with CHSH violation rules out multi-photon events and ensure the protection from photon splitting attack. Distribution of photons along multiple paths resulting in multiple bits from one photon extends the limit on bit generation rate imposed by the detection dead time of the individual detector. Thus, the path-entangled states can generate higher bitrates compared to scheme using entangled photon pair which are limited by the coincidence counts. We demonstrate this by generating a high rate of about 80 Mbps when the single photon detector saturates at around 28 Mcps and still show violation of CHSH inequality.

arXiv:2202.10933•EPJ Quantum Technology•Oct 13, 2023•17 citations

Single photon randomness originating from the symmetric dipole emission pattern of quantum emitters

Michael Hoese, M. Koch, Felix Breuning +3 more

Quantum random number generation is a key ingredient for quantum cryptography and fundamental quantum optics and could advance Monte Carlo simulations and machine learning. An established generation scheme is based on single photons impinging on a beam splitter. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum random number generation solely based on the symmetric emission profile of a dipole aligned orthogonal to the laboratory frame. The demonstration builds on defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride that emit photons in random directions within the dipole emission profile and benefits from the ability to manipulate and align the emission directionality. We prove the randomness in correlated photon detection events making use of the NIST randomness test suite and show that the randomness remains for two independently emitting defect centers. The scheme can be extended to random number generation by coherent single photons with potential applications in solid-state based quantum communication at room temperature.

arXiv:2102.09357•Applied Physics Letters•Jan 24, 2022•21 citations

Genuine randomness from an incoherent source

Bing Qi

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) harness the intrinsic randomness in measurement processes: the measurement outputs are truly random given the input state is a superposition of the eigenstates of the measurement operators. We show in the case of trusted devices, genuine randomness could be generated even when the input to the detector is a mixed state. We propose a random number generation scheme based on measuring the quadrature fluctuations of a single mode thermal state with an optical homodyne detector. By interfering a broadband incoherent source with a single mode local oscillator at a beam splitter and performing differential photodetection, we can selectively detect the quadrature fluctuations of a single mode of the incoherent source, thanks to the filtering function introduced by the local oscillator. Experimentally, a quadrature variance about three orders of magnitude larger than the vacuum noise is observed from an amplified spontaneous emission source, suggesting this scheme can tolerate much high technical noises in comparison with QRNGs based on measuring the vacuum noise. The high quality of this entropy source is evidenced by the small correlation coefficients of the acquired data.

•Nov 1, 2016•0 citations
The prototype of a quantum random number generator is a single photon which impinges onto a beam splitter and is then detected by single photon detectors at one of the two output paths. Prior to detection, the photon is in a quantum mechanical superposition state of the two possible outcomes with -ideally- equal amplitudes until its position is determined by measurement. When the two output modes are observed by a single photon detector, the generated clicks can be interpreted as ones and zeros - and a raw random bit stream is obtained. Here we implement such a random bit generator based on single photons from a defect center in diamond. We investigate the single photon emission of the defect center by an anti-bunching measurement. This certifies the "quantumness" of the supplied photonic input state, while the random "decision" is still based on the vacuum fluctuations at the open port of the beam-splitter. Technical limitations, such as intensity fluctuations, mechanical drift, and bias are discussed. A number of ways to suppress such unwanted effects, and an a priori entropy estimation are presented. The single photon nature allows for a characterization of the non-classicality of the source, and allows to determine a background fraction. Due to the NV-center's superior stability and optical properties, we can operate the generator under ambient conditions around the clock. We present a true 24/7 operation of the implemented random bit generator.
Abstract One of the most fundamental quantum random number generators is implemented with light impinging onto a beam splitter, and two single photon detectors at its output. Often, this generator is described as “a photon which takes one or other path towards a detector”. The input state of light in conjunction with the detector response is relevant for the amount, the pattern, and the correlation of the generated clicks. Only a fraction of all generator outcomes, the min‐entropy, can be used as a further resource for true randomness. This paper addresses the difference in the common description with incoming single photons and the often implemented scheme with a weak coherent light source, such as an attenuated laser. For this very fundamental and widely used configuration the amount of usable entropy is compared. If single photons from an anti‐bunched light source are supplied, the amount of entropy is higher than for the case of a supplied coherent state – although the latter can be arbitrarily bright unlike the single photon source. image
The prototype quantum random number (random bit) generator (QRNG) consists of one photon at a time falling on a 50:50 beam splitter followed by random detection in one or the other output beams due to the irreducible probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Due to the difficulties in producing single photons on demand, in practice, pulses of weak coherent (laser) light are used. In this paper, we take a different approach, one that uses moderate coherent light. It is shown that a QRNG can be implemented by performing photon-number parity measurements. For moderate coherent light, the probabilities of obtaining even or odd parity in photon counts are 0.5 each. Photon counting with single-photon resolution can be performed through use of a cascade of beam splitters and single-photon detectors, as was done recently in a photon-number parity-based interferometry experiment involving coherent light. We highlight the point that unlike most quantum-based random number generators, our proposal does not require the use of classical de-biasing algorithms or post-processing of the generated bit sequence.
The prototype quantum random number (random bit) generators (QRNG) consists of one photon at a time falling on a 50:5050:5050:50 beam splitter followed by random detection in one or the other other output beams due to the irreducible probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Due to the difficulties in producing single photons on demand, in practice, pulses of weak coherent (laser) light are used. In this paper we take a different approach, one that uses moderate coherent light. It is shown that a QRNG can be implemented by performing photon-number parity measurements. For moderate coherent light, the probabilities for obtaining even or odd parity in photon counts are 0.50.50.5 each. Photon counting with single-photon resolution can be performed through use of a cascade of beam splitters and single-photon detectors as was done recently in a photon-number parity-based interferometry experiment involving coherent light.
Abstract Measurement outcomes on quantum systems exhibit inherent randomness and are fundamentally nondeterministic. This has enabled quantum physics to set new standards for the generation of true randomness with significant applications in the fields of cryptography, statistical simulations, and modeling of the nondeterministic behavior in various other fields. In this work, we present a scheme for the generation of multi-bit random numbers using path-entangled single photons. For the experimental demonstration, we generate a path-entangled state using single photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) and assign a multi-qubit state for them in path basis. One-bit and two-bit random numbers are then generated by measuring entangled states in the path basis. In addition to passing the NIST tests for randomness, we also demonstrate the certification of quantumness and self-certification of quantum random number generator (QRNG) using Clauser, Horne, Shimony and Holt (CHSH) inequality violation. We also record the significantly low autocorrelation coefficient from the raw bits generated and this along with CHSH violation rules out multi-photon events and ensure the protection from photon splitting attack. Distribution of photons along multiple paths resulting in multiple bits from one photon extends the limit on bit generation rate imposed by the detection dead time of the individual detector. Thus, the path-entangled states can generate higher bitrates compared to scheme using entangled photon pair which are limited by the coincidence counts. We demonstrate this by generating a high rate of about 80 Mbps when the single photon detector saturates at around 28 Mcps and still show violation of CHSH inequality.
Quantum random number generation is a key ingredient for quantum cryptography and fundamental quantum optics and could advance Monte Carlo simulations and machine learning. An established generation scheme is based on single photons impinging on a beam splitter. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum random number generation solely based on the symmetric emission profile of a dipole aligned orthogonal to the laboratory frame. The demonstration builds on defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride that emit photons in random directions within the dipole emission profile and benefits from the ability to manipulate and align the emission directionality. We prove the randomness in correlated photon detection events making use of the NIST randomness test suite and show that the randomness remains for two independently emitting defect centers. The scheme can be extended to random number generation by coherent single photons with potential applications in solid-state based quantum communication at room temperature.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) harness the intrinsic randomness in measurement processes: the measurement outputs are truly random given the input state is a superposition of the eigenstates of the measurement operators. We show in the case of trusted devices, genuine randomness could be generated even when the input to the detector is a mixed state. We propose a random number generation scheme based on measuring the quadrature fluctuations of a single mode thermal state with an optical homodyne detector. By interfering a broadband incoherent source with a single mode local oscillator at a beam splitter and performing differential photodetection, we can selectively detect the quadrature fluctuations of a single mode of the incoherent source, thanks to the filtering function introduced by the local oscillator. Experimentally, a quadrature variance about three orders of magnitude larger than the vacuum noise is observed from an amplified spontaneous emission source, suggesting this scheme can tolerate much high technical noises in comparison with QRNGs based on measuring the vacuum noise. The high quality of this entropy source is evidenced by the small correlation coefficients of the acquired data.