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Applied Optics

Random number generation based on the time of arrival of single photons

Haiqiang Ma, Yuejian Xie, Ling-An Wu

Published Dec 20, 2005• 79 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We report the demonstration of a new type of true random number generator based on the random distribution of the time interval between photons from a single-photon-like source. The experimental setup is simple and robust against mechanical and temperature disturbances. With improved detector resolution and efficiency, the random number bit rate could be increased by more than an order of magnitude to satisfy practical requirements.

DOI
10.1364/ao.44.007760

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A quantum random generator based on photon detection is here presented. The system consists of a photon source, typically a commercial LED, coupled with a detector with single photon detection capability. The detector is composed of a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) and a time stamp circuit, which samples the arrival time of impinging photons within a predefined temporal window. The proposed implementation optimizes the area, allowing embedding all circuitry into a single pixel, and increases the efficiency of random bit extraction. Moreover, the adopted fast pre-charge mode of the SPAD quenching circuit reduces the afterpulsing probability, and hence possible undesirable correlation in the resulting random bit sequence. Thanks to the implemented random bit extraction, experimental results show that the pixel has a flat behavior for a significant range of light intensity, which makes the pixel robust against variations of external PVT parameters. The maximum achievable bit rate has been measured equal to 1 Mbps, while random sequences are shown to pass NIST tests without any post-processing.