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arXiv:2311.17380 · Communications Physics

An ultra-fast quantum random number generation scheme based on laser phase noise

Jie Yang, Mei Wu, Yichen Zhang, Yang Li, Wei Huang, Heng Wang, Yan Pan, Qi Su, Yiming Bian, Haoyuan Jiang, Song Yu, Bingjie Xu, Bin Luo, Hong Mei Guo

Published Dec 5, 2025• 6 citations
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Abstract

Quantum random number generators allow for access of a truly unpredictable random sequence. A popular scheme is based on the laser phase noise, which, however, is generally limited in speed and implementation complexity, especially for chip integration. In this work, a general physical model based on the Wiener process for such schemes is introduced, through which the limitation on generation speed is clearly explained and comprehensive optimization is achieved. We present an insight to exploit the potential frequency band of a quantum entropy source with a simple filtering method and experimentally boost the bandwidth to 20 GHz, where an ultra-fast generation rate of 156 Gbps is demonstrated. Our proposal significantly enhances the ceiling speed of such schemes without requiring extra complex hardware, thus effectively benefiting the corresponding chip integration with high performance and low implementation cost, paving the way for its large-scale applications. Quantum random number generators based on laser phase noise provide access to truly unpredictable sequences, but the speed and implementation complexity have posed significant challenges, particularly for chip-scale integration. To address these limitations, this work introduces a general physical model based on the Wiener process to clearly explain the performance bottleneck for such a scheme and presents a simple filtering method to significantly boost the bandwidth of the quantum entropy source, achieving an ultra-fast generation rate of 156 Gbps.

DOI
10.1038/s42005-025-02436-z

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Quantum random number generators allow for access of a truly unpredictable random sequence. A popular scheme is based on the laser phase noise, which, however, is generally limited in speed and implementation complexity, especially for chip integration. In this work, a general physical model based on the Wiener process for such schemes is introduced, through which the limitation on generation speed is clearly explained and comprehensive optimization is achieved. We present an insight to exploit the potential frequency band of a quantum entropy source with a simple filtering method and experimentally boost the bandwidth to 20 GHz, where an ultra-fast generation rate of 156 Gbps is demonstrated. Our proposal significantly enhances the ceiling speed of such schemes without requiring extra complex hardware, thus effectively benefiting the corresponding chip integration with high performance and low implementation cost, paving the way for its large-scale applications. Quantum random number generators based on laser phase noise provide access to truly unpredictable sequences, but the speed and implementation complexity have posed significant challenges, particularly for chip-scale integration. To address these limitations, this work introduces a general physical model based on the Wiener process to clearly explain the performance bottleneck for such a scheme and presents a simple filtering method to significantly boost the bandwidth of the quantum entropy source, achieving an ultra-fast generation rate of 156 Gbps.
The quantum random number generation based on laser phase noise, which is featured with high random number generation rate and ease for photonic integration, has been extensively investigated and demonstrated. Despite these advancements, a theoretical model to achieve optimal performance in terms of maximizing the random number generation rate is still incomplete. In this work, a comprehensive physical model for this scheme is introduced to accurately predict the power spectrum of entropy source and probability distribution of raw data, based on which the entropy source bandwidth and extractable randomness can be accordingly estimated and thus the system performance can be quantitatively evaluated and optimized. The model is sufficiently validated through both simulation and experiment with significant agreement under various typical setups. Furthermore, our proposal enables the proactive design of experimental parameters to achieve optimal system performance, which is crucial for the design and practical implementation of photonics integrated quantum random number generations.
Emerging communication and cryptography applications call for reliable fast unpredictable random number generators.Quantum random number generation allows for the creation of truly unpredictable numbers due to the inherent randomness available in quantum mechanics.A popular approach is to use the quantum vacuum state to generate random numbers.While convenient, this approach has been generally limited in speed compared to other schemes.Here, through custom codesign of optoelectronic integrated circuits and side-information reduction by digital filtering, we experimentally demonstrate an ultrafast generation rate of 100 Gbit/s, setting a new record for vacuum-based quantum random number generation by one order of magnitude.Furthermore, our experimental demonstrations are well supported by an upgraded device-dependent framework that is secure against both classical and quantum side information and that also properly considers the nonlinearity in the digitization process.This ultrafast secure random number generator in the chip-scale platform holds promise for next-generation communication and cryptography applications.
We present a real-time and fully integrated quantum random number generator (QRNG) by measuring laser phase fluctuations. The QRNG scheme based on laser phase fluctuations is featured for its capability of generating ultra-high-speed random numbers. However, the speed bottleneck of a practical QRNG lies on the limited speed of randomness extraction. To close the gap between the fast randomness generation and the slow post-processing, we propose a pipeline extraction algorithm based on Toeplitz matrix hashing and implement it in a high-speed field-programmable gate array. Further, all the QRNG components are integrated into a module, including a compact and actively stabilized interferometer, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time data post-processing and transmission. The final generation rate of the QRNG module with real-time extraction can reach 3.2 Gbps.
Quantum random number generator (QRNG) utilizes the intrinsic randomness of quantum systems to generate completely unpredictable and genuine random numbers, finding wide applications across many fields. QRNGs relying on the phase noise of a laser have attracted considerable attention due to their straightforward system architecture and high random number generation rates. However, traditional phase noise QRNGs suffer from a 50% loss of quantum entropy during the randomness extraction process. In this paper, we propose a phase-reconstruction quantum random number generation scheme, in which the phase noise of a laser is reconstructed by simultaneously measuring the orthogonal quadratures of the light field using balanced detectors. This enables direct discretization of uniform phase noise, and the min-entropy can achieve a value of 1. Furthermore, our approach exhibits inherent robustness against the classical phase fluctuations of the unbalanced interferometer, eliminating the need for active compensation. Finally, we conducted experimental validation using commercial optical hybrid and balanced detectors, achieving a random number generation rate of 1.96 Gbps at a sampling rate of 200 MSa/s.
Generating high-speed, verifiable random numbers is a fundamental requirement for cryptography, large-scale stochastic simulations, and secure quantum communication. Here, we present a robust quantum random number generator that utilizes the spatial distribution of quantum fluctuations captured by an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device operated in high-speed kinetic mode. Through rigorous detector calibration and shot-noise analysis, we characterize the spatial quantum noise obtained from the spatial intensity fluctuations of the coherent states of light. Such quantum noise serves as a high-entropy source, enabling an instantaneous random bit generation rate of 5.92 Gbps without algorithmic randomness extraction in the present configuration. The sustained output rate is, however, limited to 7.5 Mbps by the bandwidth of the serial electronic readout. The generated sequences successfully pass the NIST SP 800-22 and Marsaglia Diehard statistical test suites, confirming the high quality and unpredictability of the entropy source.
The quantum random number generator (QRNG) operates based on fundamental quantum mechanical principles to produce high-quality random numbers. Recently, chip-based QRNGs have garnered significant attention due to their compact size, low cost, and reduced power consumption. In this work, we demonstrate a hybrid integrated QRNG leveraging continuous-wave (CW) laser phase fluctuations. Using advanced hybrid packaging techniques, we integrate a tunable, unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer (uMZI), laser, and InGaAs photodiode (PD) within a 14-pin butterfly package. To enhance the long-term stability and reliability of the QRNG, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor is also attached to the chip for thermal regulation. The resulting integrated QRNG has a footprint of just 30 mm × 12.7 mm, and delivers a random number generation rate of 4.68 Gbps after min-entropy evaluation and post-processing. The combination of compact size and high-speed performance makes this hybrid integrated QRNG ideal for high-speed, large-scale applications.