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Journal of the Optical Society of America B

Integrated Gbps quantum random number generator with real-time extraction based on homodyne detection

Leilei Huang, Hongyi Zhou

Published Feb 28, 2019• 27 citations
Publisher

Abstract

High-speed quantum random number generators are highly demanded in cryptographic systems, whose bottleneck lies in the ease of implementation and the efficiency of real-time post-processing. Based on homodyne detection of a coherent state, we realize a compact Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a silica planar light circuit. We integrate all the optical and electrical modules into a stand-alone device, use standard low-cost components, and make the whole system simple and robust. Homodyne detection and real-time hashing extraction circuits are built into compact electronics with a final generation rate of 1 Gbps. Our demonstration shows an economic, compact, robust, and high-speed quantum random number generator available for immediate commercialization.

DOI
10.1364/josab.36.00b130

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The quantum random number generation exploits inherent randomness of quantum mechanical processes and measurements. The real-time generation rate of quantum random numbers is usually limited by electronic bandwidth and data processing rates. Here we use a multiplexing scheme to create a fast real-time quantum random number generator based on continuous variable vacuum fluctuations. Multiple sideband frequency modes of a quantum vacuum state within a homodyne detection bandwidth are concurrently extracted as the randomness source. Parallel postprocessing of raw data from three subentropy sources is realized in one field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Toeplitz-hashing extractors. A cumulative generation rate of 8.25 Gbps in real time is achieved. The system relies on optoelectronic components and circuits that could be integrated in a compact, economical package.
We demonstrate a 6 Gbps real-time optical quantum random number generator by measuring vacuum fluctuation. To address the common problem that speed gap exists between fast randomness generation and slow randomness extraction in most high-speed real-time quantum random number generator systems, we present an optimized extraction algorithm based on parallel implementation of Toeplitz hashing to reduce the influence of classical noise due to the imperfection of devices. Notably, the real-time rate of randomness extraction we have achieved reaches the highest speed of 12 Gbps by occupying less computing resources, and the algorithm has the ability to support hundreds of Gbps randomness extraction. By assuming that the eavesdropper with complete knowledge of the classical noise, our generator has a randomness generation speed of 6.83 Gbps and this supports the generation of 6 Gbps information-theoretically provable quantum random numbers, which are output in real-time through peripheral component interconnect express interface.
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.
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Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) based on quadrature measurements of the vacuum have so far used balanced homodyne detection to obtain a source of high entropy. Here we propose a simple direct detection measurement scheme using only a laser and a photodiode that still extracts randomness from vacuum fluctuations. We prove the security of the QRNG based on a reduced set of assumptions in comparison to previous security proofs for quadrature detection as our proof does not require the laser or electronic noise to be Gaussian. Using a low-cost setup based on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser we experimentally implement the QRNG scheme. We propose a system characterization method, apply it to our implementation and demonstrate a real-time randomness extraction rate of 3.41 Gbit per second. The unique combination of speed, low cost, and rigorous security proof gives our QRNG design a large potential for a wide-scale usage in a variety of applications ranging from quantum key distribution to mobile applications and internet of things.