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A Fast and Compact Quantum Random Number Generator

Thomas Jennewein, Ulrich Achleitner, Gregor Weihs, Harald Weinfurter, Anton Zeilinger

Published Dec 29, 1999• 291 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

We present the realization of a physical quantum random number generator based on the process of splitting a beam of photons on a beam splitter, a quantum mechanical source of true randomness. By utilizing either a beam splitter or a polarizing beam splitter, single photon detectors and high speed electronics the presented devices are capable of generating a binary random signal with an autocorrelation time of 11.8 ns and a continuous stream of random numbers at a rate of 1 Mbit/s. The randomness of the generated signals and numbers is shown by running a series of tests upon data samples. The devices described in this paper are built into compact housings and are Random numbers are a vital ingredient in many applications ranging, to name some examples, from computational methods such as Monte Carlo simulations and programming1, over to the large field of cryptography for generating of crypto code or masking messages, as far as to commercial applications like lottery games and slot machines2–5. Recently

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We present the realization of a physical quantum random number generator based on the process of splitting a beam of photons on a beam splitter, a quantum mechanical source of true randomness. By utilizing either a beam splitter or a polarizing beam splitter, single photon detectors and high speed electronics the presented devices are capable of generating a binary random signal with an autocorrelation time of 11.8 ns and a continuous stream of random numbers at a rate of 1 Mbit/s. The randomness of the generated signals and numbers is shown by running a series of tests upon data samples. The devices described in this paper are built into compact housings and are Random numbers are a vital ingredient in many applications ranging, to name some examples, from computational methods such as Monte Carlo simulations and programming1, over to the large field of cryptography for generating of crypto code or masking messages, as far as to commercial applications like lottery games and slot machines2–5. Recently
We present the realization of a physical quantum random number generator based on the process of splitting a beam of photons on a beam splitter, a quantum mechanical source of true randomness. By utilizing either a beam splitter or a polarizing beam splitter, single photon detectors and high speed electronics the presented devices are capable of generating a binary random signal with an autocorrelation time of 11.8 ns and a continuous stream of random numbers at a rate of 1 Mbit/s. The randomness of the generated signals and numbers is shown by running a series of tests upon data samples. The devices described in this paper are built into compact housings and are simple to operate.
A physical random number generator based on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics is described. The random events are realized by the choice of single photons between the two outputs of a beamsplitter. We present a simple device, which minimizes the impact of the photon counters ’ noise, dead-time and after pulses. Random numbers are employed today as well for numerical simulations as for cryptography. Unfortunately computers are not able to generate true random numbers, as they are deterministic systems. Numerical pseudo-random generators rely on complexity [1]. Although such pseudo-random numbers can generally be employed for numerical computation, such as Monte-Carlo simulations, their use in cryptography, for example to generate keys, is more critical. The only way to get true random numbers, hence true security for crypto-systems, is to build a generator based on a random physical phenomenon [2,3,4]. As quantum theory is intrinsically random, a quantum process is an ideal base for a physical random number generator. The randomness of a sequence of numbers can be extensively tested, though not proven. It is thus of interest to thoroughly understand the behavior of the random process, so as to gain
We present a set of random number generator based on a quantum mechanical source,which is the process of splitting a beam of photons on a polarizing beam splitter.The randonmess of the polarizing photon is detected by the synchronous singlephoton coincidence detection technique.The random bit data are transferred to a personal computer via a digital I/O interface.The random numbers are tested by the Pseudorandom Number Sequence Test Program(ENT) which is the most popular random number test program in the world.The result is perfect.
Quantum random number generators (QRNG) are the prime source of randomness, by exploiting the unpredictable nature of Quantum mechanics QRNG aims to provide a string of completely random utterly unpredictable numbers. QRNGs are crucial for cryptography, scientific calculation, simulation, and many more real-world applications. Our Optical Quantum Random Number Generator (OQRNG) utilizes a high-speed pulsating laser, a Polarizing beam splitter (PBS), photodetectors, and advanced signal processing units that capture and digitize random photon intensity forming the raw random bit stream. This technique is famously known as Branching Path Technique. After that, we implement rigorous testing that encompasses the statistical randomness tests developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to ensure the guaranteed ran-domness meets security standards. A user-friendly Graphic user interface (GUI) simplifies interaction with the QRNG allowing the user to configure device settings, monitor system performance, and securely extract random numbers. Our findings help us demonstrate the superiority of QRNGs over classical random number generators, and highlight the potential of photon-based QRNGs and their environmentally friendly and efficient random number generation.
Since reflection or transmission of a quantum particle on a beamsplitter is inherently random quantum process, a device built on this principle does not suffer from drawbacks of neither pseudo-random computer generators or classical noise sources. Nevertheless, a number of physical conditions necessary for high quality random numbers generation must be satisfied. Luckily, in quantum optics realization they can be well controlled. We present an easy random number generator based on the division of weak light pulses on a beamsplitter. The randomness of the generated bit stream is supported by passing the data through series of 15 statistical test. The device generates at a rate of 109.7 kbit/s.