Quantum random number generation (QRNG) relies on the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanical phenomena to efficiently generate high-quality random numbers that can be used in a wide range of cryptography and simulation applications. Here we report the experimental demonstration of QRNG from the arrival times of photons emitted by nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres in fluorescent nanodiamonds. The generation rates achieved range from 0.173 Mbits/s for a region with a single NV centre to 4.77 Mbits/s for a region with just under 50 NV centres, where the latter demonstrates an order of magnitude improvement compared to the highest generation rate previously achieved with NV centres. For all the regions investigated, the generated bits passed the ENT and NIST Statistical Test Suites without post-processing. The results are consistent with our theoretical analysis, where we show that the min-entropy is very close to the ideal value of one per bit for all the regions investigated. This work opens up new possibilities for robust QRNG in highly compact on-chip settings.
Quantum random number generation (QRNG) relies on the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanical phenomena to efficiently generate high-quality random numbers that can be used in a wide range of cryptography and simulation applications. Here we report the experimental demonstration of QRNG from the arrival times of photons emitted by nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres in fluorescent nanodiamonds. The generation rates achieved range from 0.173 Mbits/s for a region with a single NV centre to 4.77 Mbits/s for a region with just under 50 NV centres, where the latter demonstrates an order of magnitude improvement compared to the highest generation rate previously achieved with NV centres. For all the regions investigated, the generated bits passed the ENT and NIST Statistical Test Suites without post-processing. The results are consistent with our theoretical analysis, where we show that the min-entropy is very close to the ideal value of one per bit for all the regions investigated. This work opens up new possibilities for robust QRNG in highly compact on-chip settings.
Quantum random number generation (QRNG) provides fundamentally unpredictable randomness derived from intrinsic quantum processes. In this work we demonstrate two solid-state, room-temperature QRNG implementations based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, i.e., ensemble fluorescence from nanodiamonds and single-photon emission from single NV centers located at the tips of fabricated diamond nanopillars for enhanced light collection efficiency, spatial isolation and minimized crosstalk. We compare entropy rates (above 0.98 bits), statistical performance, and robustness of both approaches in our experimental setup, the results contribute to establishing diamond-based QRNG as a scalable solution for quantum-secure randomness generation.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) leverage the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanical phenomena to produce random numbers. However, the performance of many QRNGs is hindered by limitations such as low generation rates and the bulkiness of systems utilizing single-photon detectors (SPDs). In this study, we present a QRNG that addresses these challenges by using a micro-LED as an entropy source, utilizing the intensity fluctuations of spontaneous emissions. By applying post-processing techniques, our 5 × 5 µm 2 micro-LED-based system achieves a PD bandwidth-limited generation rate of 9.375 Gbit/s while successfully passing the required randomness tests outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Importantly, systematic testing across micro-LEDs of varying sizes demonstrates consistently high performance, highlighting the robustness of this approach. The compact, small footprint, scalable design, and surface emission characteristics of micro-LEDs pave the way for the development of parallel QRNG-integrated chips, which hold the potential to deliver ultra-high random number generation rates in practical, miniaturized platforms.
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.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are used in various applications, including cryptography, scientific simulations, gaming, and virtual reality. The quality of these random numbers is crucial, especially for computational approaches that rely on unpredictability to produce accurate results. In this thesis, we perform a comprehensive assessment of the quality of a novel Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) based on single photon. QRNGs leverage quantum mechanical properties to produce truly random numbers. This ensures high entropy, unpredictability, and security, making QRNGs particularly useful in fields that require high-quality randomness.We evaluate the statistical properties of strings generated by our QRNG and then its practical application by comparing it to traditional Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) in Monte Carlo Integration (MCI), a technique that estimates integrals using random sampling. In particular, we use two statistical randomness test suits, namely NIST and Dieharder, to assess the statistical properties of our QRNG. All tests within these tests were passed, confirming that the corresponding QRNG achieves true randomness with sufficient high entropy. Next, we use our QRNG-generated numbers to seed Monte Carlo Integration (MCI) and compare it against results obtained using classical PRNG. The QRNG-based MCI demonstrated more accurate and stable numerical estimates, showing lower error rates and improved convergence compared to PRNG-based simulations.These findings highlight the advantages of QRNGs in enhancing numerical accuracy and computational security. While QRNGs may have slower generation rates than PRNGs, their superior randomness quality allows for more reliable Monte Carlo-based simulations, suggesting that fewer samples may be needed to achieve the same level of accuracy compared to classical PRNGs. This research underscores the potential of QRNG-powered numerical methods, paving the way for their integration into more advanced applications, including scientific computing, financial modeling, and cryptographic security.
We report a demonstration of a high-entropy optical quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on photon arrival time. We have implemented the scheme with high-speed and high-precision electronics with a time resolution of 1 ps generating 115 Mbps raw data. The random bit generation efficiency is 8 bits per detection. The experimental data is quite consistent with theoretical estimation showing minimum bias. We apply a real-time information-theoretic randomness extractor to generate a final data rate of 109 Mbps. The randomness is rigorously evaluated against well-known statistical test suites of NIST, ENT, Diehard, TU-01 and Dieharder.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) harness the inherent unpredictability of quantum processes to generate true randomness, a critical resource for cryptography, secure communications, and emerging quantum technologies. In this paper, I will present a compact and scalable QRNG architecture based on micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs), which serve as entropy sources by exploiting the intensity fluctuations of spontaneous emission. Our system, using a micro-LED, achieves a bandwidth-limited generation rate of 9.375 Gbit/s, while meeting the statistical randomness requirements specified by the NIST test suite. Our work lays the foundation for parallel QRNG integration on chip, enabling ultra-high-rate quantum random number generation in miniaturized, energy-efficient, and practical platforms. The implications of this advancement span from secure data and hardward to next-generation cryptographic systems.