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Optics Express

Low-bias high-speed quantum random number generator via shaped optical pulses

Michael A. Wayne, Paul G. Kwiat

Published Apr 20, 2010• 123 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present an optical quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the digitized time interval between random photon arrivals. By tailoring the photon flux of the laser diode, the statistics of the waiting-time distribution are altered to approximate the ideal, uniform case. This greatly reduces the need for post-processing, and enables fast, secure quantum random number generation at rates exceeding 110 Mbit/s.

DOI
10.1364/oe.18.009351

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Optical quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are a special class of physical random data sources, whose randomness is established on elementary quantum optics processes. We present a QRNG based on a CMOS chip which overcomes the limitations of the commonly used optical QRNG and which achieves a random bit generation rate up to 200 Mb/s. The CMOS chip is based on an array of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and digital counters. We prove the absolute randomness of the generated random data through statistical test suites and even more stringent correlation and bias tests applied to 32 Gbit streams. The QRNG passes all tests; hence, it proves to be one of the fastest and more reliable CMOS optical QRNGs currently available.
We present an integrated photonic quantum random number generator combining photon-path selection and time-delay encoding methods to efficiently produce high-quality random bits. True random number generators, particularly quantum-based random number generators, play a critical role in secure communications, cryptographic protocols, and simulations, as they provide genuine unpredictability derived from fundamental quantum processes. This study presents the development of an optical random number generator utilizing a photonic chip, resulting in a very stable, compact, and high key-to-signal ratio device. Our setup employs an attenuated pulsed laser source combined with a photonic circuit featuring a multi-mode interference, whose outputs are monitored by single-photon avalanche diodes. For photon-path encoding, a von Neumann extractor effectively reduces output bias by discarding correlated detection events. In addition, we measure photon arrival times (time-delay encoding) using a novel bin-merging and modulo-based encoding strategy to counteract hardware-induced biases, achieving near-ideal bit uniformity. Experimental results show that combining both encoding techniques doubles the bit-generation rate compared to path-encoding only, achieving 0.49 bits per signal while simultaneously meeting stringent randomness criteria validated by passing all tests in the NIST statistical test suite.
We demonstrate a novel high speed and multi-bit optical quantum random number generator by continuously measuring arrival time of photons with a common starting point. To obtain the unbiased and post-processing free random bits, the measured photon arrival time is converted into the sum of integral multiple of a fixed period and a phase time. Theoretical and experimental results show that the phase time is an independent and uniform random variable. A random bit extraction method by encoding the phase time is proposed. An experimental setup has been built and the unbiased random bit generation rate could reach 128 Mb/s, with random bit generation efficiency of 8 bits per detected photon. The random numbers passed all tests in the statistical test suite.
We present a high-quality bias-free quantum random number generator (QRNG) using photon arrival time selectively, in accordance with the number of photon detection events within a sampling time interval in attenuated light. It is well shown in both theoretical analysis and experimental verification that this random number production method eliminates both bias and correlation perfectly without more postprocessing and that the random number can clearly pass the standard randomness tests. We fulfill theoretical analysis and experimental verification of the method whose rate can reach up to 45 Mb/s.
For globally connected devices like smart phones, personal computers and Internet-of-things devices, the ability to generate random numbers is essential for execution of cryptographic protocols responsible for information security. Generally, a random number generator should be small, robust, utilize as few hardware and energy resources as possible, yet provide excellent randomness at a high enough speed (bitrate) for a given purpose. In this work we present a quantum random number generator (QRNG) which makes use of a photoelectric effect in single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) as a source of randomness and is scalable to any desired bitrate. We use the random flip-flop method in which random bits are obtained by periodic sampling of a randomly toggling flip-flop. For the first time we investigate this method in detail and find that, out of two main imperfections, bias is due only to hardware imperfections while autocorrelation predominantly resides with the method itself. SPADs are integrated on a silicon chip together with passive quenching and digital pulse-shaping circuitry, using a standard 180 nm CMOS process. A separate FPGA chip derives random numbers from the detection signals. The basic QRNG cell, made of only two SPADs and a few logic circuits, can generate up to 20 Mbit/s that pass NIST statistical tests without any further postprocessing. This technology allows integration of a QRNG on a single silicon chip using readily available industrial processes.