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Journal of Lightwave Technology

A Random Number Generator Based on Single-Photon Avalanche Photodiode Dark Counts

Shelan Khasro Tawfeeq

Published Oct 13, 2009• 25 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, a new physical random number generator is built. The generation concept is based on the dark pulses thermally generated in single photon avalanche photodiodes operating in the Geiger mode. Results show that the proposed random number generator produced nearly 50% zeros and 50% ones, which could be considered an acceptable suited for quantum cryptography systems.

DOI
10.1109/jlt.2009.2034119

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In this paper, a new physical random number generator is built. The generation concept is based on the dark pulses thermally generated in single photon avalanche photodiodes operating in the Geiger mode. Results show that the proposed random number generator produced nearly 50% zeros and 50% ones, which could be considered an acceptable suited for quantum cryptography systems.
Quantum random number generators adopting single photon detection have been restricted due to the non-negligible dead time of avalanche photodiodes (APDs). We propose a new approach based on an APD array to improve the generation rate of random numbers significantly. This method compares the detectors' responses to consecutive optical pulses and generates the random sequence. We implement a demonstration experiment to show its simplicity, compactness and scalability. The generated numbers are proved to be unbiased, post-processing free, ready to use, and their randomness is verified by using the national institute of standard technology statistical test suite. The random bit generation efficiency is as high as 32.8% and the potential generation rate adopting the 32 × 32 APD array is up to tens of Gbits/s.
The possibility of using avalanche photodiodes that operate in the single-photon registration mode as a source of a random physical quantity in generators of random number sequences was evaluated. The operating modes of avalanche photodiodes were determined that allow generation of streams of random events, whose statistical characteristics are similar to those of a Poisson stream. Estimates of the similarity of the properties of generated random binary sequences to the properties of a uniformly distributed sequence are presented.
We propose and demonstrate a scheme to realize a high-efficiency truly quantum random number generator (RNG) at room temperature. Using an effective extractor with simple time bin encoding method, the avalanche pulses of avalanche photodiode (APD) are converted into high-quality random numbers that are robust to slow varying noise such as fluctuations of pulse intensity and temperature. A light source is compatible but not necessary in this scheme. Therefor the robustness of the system is effective enhanced. The random bits generation rate of this proof-of-principle system is 0.69 Mb/s with double APDs and 0.34 Mb/s with single APD. The results indicate that a high-speed RNG chip based on the scheme is potentially available with an integrable APD array.
A brief overview of the current status of quantum cryptography is given. The results are presented of our preliminary experiments with free-space quantum-key distribution by means of single linearly polarized photons with coded polarization states according to the BB84 protocol, for which purpose a quantum-cryptography communication system is designed. Single photons are detected with a 50% probability using specially designed high-speed photodetectors based on silicon avalanche photodiodes, operated in Geiger mode with active avalanche quenching. A key generation rate of 3.8 kbit/s is obtained, the mean photon number per pulse being 0.2.
This brief presents the application of perimeter-gated single-photon avalanche diodes (pg-SPADs) as true random number generators (TRNGs). Typical SPADs have been used as random number generators (RNGs) in photon-based or dark event-based configurations, and they utilize complex debiasing algorithms to increase their random bit efficiency (RBE). In contrast, we propose leveraging the dark count rate modulation property of pg-SPADs to enable true random number generation using simpler debiasing algorithms. Further, we demonstrate that perimeter gating may be used to maintain a constant dark count rate across a wide temperature range, conferring stability to the RNG in that range. A set of debiased random bits from a tested prototype chip was benchmarked against the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Statistical Test Suite (STS) with a success rate of 99.375%.
The technology of quantum cryptography, based on the quantum properties of light, allows a random sequence of bits to be transmitted over an unprotected communication channel in such a way that an intruder's interference in the transmission process generates additional noise in the channel and is detected by legitimate users. One of the important elements of the quantum key distribution system is a single photon detector. In this work proposed quantum cryptographic system that generates only an orthogonal basis (vertical and horizontal) has one semiconductor diode laser used to generate information and synchronization photons and functional diagram of the device for registration of single photons. The developed device allows increasing the quantum efficiency of registration up to 45%.