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:2412.02077

Integrated Differential Conjugate Homodyne Detection for Quantum Random Number Generation

Christian Carver, Marchant, Jared, Fisher, Benjamin, Nicholas Townsend, Tyler Stowell, Austin Barlow, Benjamin Arnesen, Shiuh-Hua Wood Chiang, Ryan M. Camacho

Published Dec 3, 2024• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

In this work, we perform on-chip quantum random number generation (QRNG) that uses a novel differential amplifier configuration for conjugate homodyne detection. Leveraging separate integrated photonics and integrated analog circuit platforms, we present an alternative method for QRNG. This approach exploits the observable $\hat{\text{Z}}$, derived from the sum of squared conjugate quadrature distributions which we compare to the traditional single quadrature approach. Utilizing this method, we report a shot noise clearance (SNC) of 25.6 dB and a common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of 69 dB for our homodyne detection system. We used a variety of design tools to model and predict performance and compare results with our measurements. The realization of our QRNG system consists of a 90° optical hybrid, a dual differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) used for the real-time post-processing to produce a uniform random bitstream. The randomness extraction is implemented using a Toeplitz hashing algorithm and is validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) randomness test suites.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2412.02077

Related papers

33 Gbit/s source-device-independent quantum random number generator based on heterodyne detection with real-time FPGA-integrated extraction

Marius Cizauskas, Hamid Tebyanian, A. M. Fox +3 more

Abstract We present a high-speed continuous-variable quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. The scheme follows a source-device-independent security model in which the entropy originates from quantum measurement uncertainty and no model of the source is required; security depends only on the trusted measurement device and the calibrated discretization, and thus remains valid even under adversarial state preparation. The optical field is split by a 90 ∘ optical hybrid and measured by two balanced photodiodes to obtain both quadratures of the vacuum state simultaneously. The analog outputs are digitized using a dual-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter operating at a sampling rate of 3.2 GS s −1 per channel, and processed in real time by an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementing Toeplitz hashing for randomness extraction. The quantum-to-classical noise ratio was verified through calibrated power spectral density measurements and cross-checked in the time domain, confirming vacuum-noise dominance within the 1.6 GHz detection bandwidth. After extraction, the system achieves a sustained generation rate of R net = 33.92 Gbit s − 1 of uniformly distributed random bits, which pass all NIST and Dieharder statistical tests. The demonstrated platform provides a compact, FPGA-based realization of a practical heterodyne continuous-variable source-independent QRNG suitable for high-rate quantum communication and secure key distribution systems.

Quantum Science and Technology•Mar 4, 2026•0 citations

33 Gbit/s source-device-independent quantum random number generator based on heterodyne detection with real-time FPGA-integrated extraction

Marius Cizauskas, Hamid Tebyanian, Mark Fox +3 more

We present a high-speed continuous-variable quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. The scheme follows a source-device-independent (SDI) security model in which the entropy originates from quantum measurement uncertainty and no model of the source is required; security depends only on the trusted measurement device and the calibrated discretization, and thus remains valid even under adversarial state preparation. The optical field is split by a 90$^\circ$ optical hybrid and measured by two balanced photodiodes to obtain both quadratures of the vacuum state simultaneously. The analog outputs are digitized using a dual-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter operating at a sampling rate of 3.2 GS/s per channel, and processed in real time by an FPGA implementing Toeplitz hashing for randomness extraction. The quantum-to-classical noise ratio was verified through calibrated power spectral density measurements and cross-checked in the time domain, confirming vacuum-noise dominance within the 1.6 GHz detection bandwidth. After extraction, the system achieves a sustained generation rate of $R_{\rm net}= 33.92~\mathrm{Gbit/s}$ of uniformly distributed random bits, which pass all NIST and Dieharder statistical tests. The demonstrated platform provides a compact, FPGA-based realization of a practical heterodyne continuous-variable source-independent QRNG suitable for high-rate quantum communication and secure key distribution systems.

quant-pharXiv:2512.07319•Dec 9, 2025•1 citation

18.8 Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a photonic integrated chip

Bing Bai, Jianyao Huang, Guan-Ru Qiao +5 more

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.

arXiv:2105.13518•Applied Physics Letters•Jun 28, 2021•105 citations

A homodyne detector integrated onto a photonic chip for measuring quantum states and generating random numbers

Francesco Raffaelli, Giacomo Ferranti, Dylan H. Mahler +7 more

Optical homodyne detection has found use as a characterisation tool in a range of quantum technologies. So far implementations have been limited to bulk optics. Here we present the optical integration of a homodyne detector onto a silicon photonics chip. The resulting device operates at high speed, up 150 MHz, it is compact and it operates with low noise, quantified with 11 dB clearance between shot noise and electronic noise. We perform on-chip quantum tomography of coherent states with the detector and show that it meets the requirements for characterising more general quantum states of light. We also show that the detector is able to produce quantum random numbers at a rate of 1.2 Gbps, by measuring the vacuum state of the electromagnetic field and applying off-line post processing. The produced random numbers pass all the statistical tests provided by the NIST test suite.

arXiv:1612.04676•Quantum Science and Technology•Dec 21, 2017•138 citations

Noise-Rejecting Photonic Integrated Circuit for Robust Quantum Random Number Generation

Peter Raymond Smith, Davide G. Marangon, T. K. Paraiso +2 more

Recent advancements in integrated photonics have shown great promise for the serial production of chip-scale quantum random number generators (QRNG). Considerable progress has been made towards developing fully on-chip QRNGs that exploit the interference of phase-randomized fields from two independent lasers. While a common alternative design, based on a single laser and interferometer, would further improve power consumption and ease of operation, monolithic integration of such a design has thus far faced challenges, including high losses and crosstalk. We solve these key challenges and report fast single-laser interferometric QRNGs integrated onto monolithic chips. By combining on-chip optical amplification with electronic common-mode rejection techniques, our photonic integrated circuits (PICs) stably convert the spontaneous emission phase noise of a diode laser into electronic pulses of high-contrast random intensity at GHz clock rates. Using real-time, hash-function-based randomness extraction, uniformly distributed, truly unpredictable random numbers are generated at a rate of 3 Gbps.

Optical Fiber Communication Conference•Aug 18, 2025•4 citations

20 Gbps real-time source-independent quantum random number generator based on a silicon photonic chip

Yiming Bian, Jie Yang, Haoyuan Jiang +6 more

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) allows for the production of truly unpredictable random numbers, thanks to the inherent randomness available in quantum mechanics. However, its practical implementation is facing several challenges, including the practical security loophole, high-speed real-time randomness extraction, and large-scale production. In this work, we address these challenges with a chip-based, source-independent quantum random number generator achieving 20 Gbps real-time generation rate. It ensures the practical security through a source-independent security framework and the modeling of measurement devices. A bandwidth exceeding 2 GHz and a clearance reaching 10 dB is achieved by a silicon-based homodyne detector. Analog-to-digital conversion and randomness extraction are integrated on a single data collection and processing board, where the optimized parallel randomness extraction algorithm on a field programmable gate array achieves a throughput up to 28 Gbps. The results promise a high-speed and practically secure quantum random number generation on a chip, paving the way for its large-scale deployments and widespread applications.

Optics Letters•Jan 14, 2025•5 citations
In this work, we perform on-chip quantum random number generation (QRNG) that uses a novel differential amplifier configuration for conjugate homodyne detection. Leveraging separate integrated photonics and integrated analog circuit platforms, we present an alternative method for QRNG. This approach exploits the observable Z^\hat{\text{Z}}Z^, derived from the sum of squared conjugate quadrature distributions which we compare to the traditional single quadrature approach. Utilizing this method, we report a shot noise clearance (SNC) of 25.6 dB and a common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of 69 dB for our homodyne detection system. We used a variety of design tools to model and predict performance and compare results with our measurements. The realization of our QRNG system consists of a 90° optical hybrid, a dual differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) used for the real-time post-processing to produce a uniform random bitstream. The randomness extraction is implemented using a Toeplitz hashing algorithm and is validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) randomness test suites.
Abstract We present a high-speed continuous-variable quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. The scheme follows a source-device-independent security model in which the entropy originates from quantum measurement uncertainty and no model of the source is required; security depends only on the trusted measurement device and the calibrated discretization, and thus remains valid even under adversarial state preparation. The optical field is split by a 90 ∘ optical hybrid and measured by two balanced photodiodes to obtain both quadratures of the vacuum state simultaneously. The analog outputs are digitized using a dual-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter operating at a sampling rate of 3.2 GS s −1 per channel, and processed in real time by an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementing Toeplitz hashing for randomness extraction. The quantum-to-classical noise ratio was verified through calibrated power spectral density measurements and cross-checked in the time domain, confirming vacuum-noise dominance within the 1.6 GHz detection bandwidth. After extraction, the system achieves a sustained generation rate of R net = 33.92 Gbit s − 1 of uniformly distributed random bits, which pass all NIST and Dieharder statistical tests. The demonstrated platform provides a compact, FPGA-based realization of a practical heterodyne continuous-variable source-independent QRNG suitable for high-rate quantum communication and secure key distribution systems.
We present a high-speed continuous-variable quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. The scheme follows a source-device-independent (SDI) security model in which the entropy originates from quantum measurement uncertainty and no model of the source is required; security depends only on the trusted measurement device and the calibrated discretization, and thus remains valid even under adversarial state preparation. The optical field is split by a 90∘^\circ∘ optical hybrid and measured by two balanced photodiodes to obtain both quadratures of the vacuum state simultaneously. The analog outputs are digitized using a dual-channel 12-bit analog-to-digital converter operating at a sampling rate of 3.2 GS/s per channel, and processed in real time by an FPGA implementing Toeplitz hashing for randomness extraction. The quantum-to-classical noise ratio was verified through calibrated power spectral density measurements and cross-checked in the time domain, confirming vacuum-noise dominance within the 1.6 GHz detection bandwidth. After extraction, the system achieves a sustained generation rate of Rnet=33.92 Gbit/sR_{\rm net}= 33.92~\mathrm{Gbit/s}Rnet​=33.92 Gbit/s of uniformly distributed random bits, which pass all NIST and Dieharder statistical tests. The demonstrated platform provides a compact, FPGA-based realization of a practical heterodyne continuous-variable source-independent QRNG suitable for high-rate quantum communication and secure key distribution systems.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.
Optical homodyne detection has found use as a characterisation tool in a range of quantum technologies. So far implementations have been limited to bulk optics. Here we present the optical integration of a homodyne detector onto a silicon photonics chip. The resulting device operates at high speed, up 150 MHz, it is compact and it operates with low noise, quantified with 11 dB clearance between shot noise and electronic noise. We perform on-chip quantum tomography of coherent states with the detector and show that it meets the requirements for characterising more general quantum states of light. We also show that the detector is able to produce quantum random numbers at a rate of 1.2 Gbps, by measuring the vacuum state of the electromagnetic field and applying off-line post processing. The produced random numbers pass all the statistical tests provided by the NIST test suite.
Recent advancements in integrated photonics have shown great promise for the serial production of chip-scale quantum random number generators (QRNG). Considerable progress has been made towards developing fully on-chip QRNGs that exploit the interference of phase-randomized fields from two independent lasers. While a common alternative design, based on a single laser and interferometer, would further improve power consumption and ease of operation, monolithic integration of such a design has thus far faced challenges, including high losses and crosstalk. We solve these key challenges and report fast single-laser interferometric QRNGs integrated onto monolithic chips. By combining on-chip optical amplification with electronic common-mode rejection techniques, our photonic integrated circuits (PICs) stably convert the spontaneous emission phase noise of a diode laser into electronic pulses of high-contrast random intensity at GHz clock rates. Using real-time, hash-function-based randomness extraction, uniformly distributed, truly unpredictable random numbers are generated at a rate of 3 Gbps.
Quantum random number generator (QRNG) allows for the production of truly unpredictable random numbers, thanks to the inherent randomness available in quantum mechanics. However, its practical implementation is facing several challenges, including the practical security loophole, high-speed real-time randomness extraction, and large-scale production. In this work, we address these challenges with a chip-based, source-independent quantum random number generator achieving 20 Gbps real-time generation rate. It ensures the practical security through a source-independent security framework and the modeling of measurement devices. A bandwidth exceeding 2 GHz and a clearance reaching 10 dB is achieved by a silicon-based homodyne detector. Analog-to-digital conversion and randomness extraction are integrated on a single data collection and processing board, where the optimized parallel randomness extraction algorithm on a field programmable gate array achieves a throughput up to 28 Gbps. The results promise a high-speed and practically secure quantum random number generation on a chip, paving the way for its large-scale deployments and widespread applications.