Random numbers play a significant role in fields like scientific simulations and cryptography. Here we describe a physical random number generator based on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics. We design a simple method to produce and analyze random sequences starting with a source of correlated/entangled photon pairs as an entropy source. We generate random bits from the coincidence rates of photon pairs in 3 steps: (i) generate correlated/entangled photon pairs, (ii) convert the coincidence rates from decimal to binary, (iii) apply a randomness extraction procedure (post-processing). In this approach, we have tested the influence of entanglement on the entire generation process. In order to obtain a good-quality random sequance, we have used and compared two different extractors in the post-processing step.
Random numbers play a significant role in fields like scientific simulations and cryptography. Here we describe a physical random number generator based on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics. We design a simple method to produce and analyze random sequences starting with a source of correlated/entangled photon pairs as an entropy source. We generate random bits from the coincidence rates of photon pairs in 3 steps: (i) generate correlated/entangled photon pairs, (ii) convert the coincidence rates from decimal to binary, (iii) apply a randomness extraction procedure (post-processing). In this approach, we have tested the influence of entanglement on the entire generation process. In order to obtain a good-quality random sequance, we have used and compared two different extractors in the post-processing step.
Randomness is widely used in various fields, including encryption, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations. Randomness is also a fundamental resource in science and engineering. For such applications, we usually need to provide unbiased and independent random bits. This raises the issue of where to get these supposed random bits. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) generate real random numbers based on the inherent randomness of quantum measurements. In practice, unfortunately, quantum randomness is inevitably mixed with classical randomness due to classical noise. Also, randomness is often correlated and biased. It is necessary to process the resulting raw bits sequence and convert them to good-quality output values that are as close to uniform distribution as possible. Random extractors are required for this. We analyze the randomness obtained by quantum random number generators as well as various examples of post-processing. We discuss the types of randomness extractors. Also, we use information-theoretically secure extractors and present improved novel randomness extraction.
This paper proposes a well-performing hybrid-type truly quantum random number generator based on the time interval between two independent single-photon detection signals, which is practical and intuitive, and generates the initial random number sources from a combination of multiple existing random number sources. A time-to-amplitude converter and multichannel analyzer are used for qualitative analysis to demonstrate that each and every step is random. Furthermore, a carefully designed data acquisition system is used to obtain a high-quality random sequence. Our scheme is simple and proves that the random number bit rate can be dramatically increased to satisfy practical requirements.
Generation of random numbers is a central problem for many applications in the field of information processing, including, e.g., cryptography, in classical and quantum regime, but also mathematical modeling, Monte Carlo methods, gambling and many others. Both, the quality of the randomness and efficiency of the random numbers generation process are crucial for the most of these applications. Software produced pseudorandom bit sequences, though sufficiently quick, do not fulfill required randomness quality demands. Hence, the physical hardware methods are intensively developed to generate truly random number sequences for information processing and electronic security application. In the present paper we discuss the idea of the quantum random number generators. We also present a variety of tests utilized to assess the quality of randomness of generated bit sequences. In the experimental part we apply such tests to assess and compare two quantum random number generators, PQ4000KSI (of company ComScire US) and JUR01 (constructed in Wroclaw University of Science and Technology upon the project of The National Center for Research and Development) as well as a pseudorandom generator from the Mathematica Wolfram package. Finally, we present our new prototype of fully operative miniaturized quantum random generator JUR02 producing a random bit sequence with velocity of 1 Mb/s, which successfully passed standard tests of randomness quality (like NIST and Dieharder tests). We also shortly discuss our former concept of an entanglement-based quantum random number generator protocol with unconditionally secure public randomness verification.
This paper presents the design and theoretical framework for a quantum random number generator (QRNG) rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics. The core innovation lies in leveraging the inherent randomness associated with quantum measurement, specifically the uncertainty principle, to generate truly random numbers, a significant departure from the limitations of classical random number generators. The proposed system utilizes a measurement process involving a quantum system, such as a photon polarization or a quantum bit, to produce a sequence of random bits. The generated bits are then processed to eliminate bias and ensure high uniformity. The theoretical analysis focuses on quantifying the randomness inherent in the measurement process and demonstrating the potential for generating high-quality random numbers. This work addresses the growing demand for secure communication, cryptography, and simulation applications that require truly random numbers, offering a fundamentally different approach compared to traditional methods.
Abstract Measurement outcomes on quantum systems exhibit inherent randomness and are fundamentally nondeterministic. This has enabled quantum physics to set new standards for the generation of true randomness with significant applications in the fields of cryptography, statistical simulations, and modeling of the nondeterministic behavior in various other fields. In this work, we present a scheme for the generation of multi-bit random numbers using path-entangled single photons. For the experimental demonstration, we generate a path-entangled state using single photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) and assign a multi-qubit state for them in path basis. One-bit and two-bit random numbers are then generated by measuring entangled states in the path basis. In addition to passing the NIST tests for randomness, we also demonstrate the certification of quantumness and self-certification of quantum random number generator (QRNG) using Clauser, Horne, Shimony and Holt (CHSH) inequality violation. We also record the significantly low autocorrelation coefficient from the raw bits generated and this along with CHSH violation rules out multi-photon events and ensure the protection from photon splitting attack. Distribution of photons along multiple paths resulting in multiple bits from one photon extends the limit on bit generation rate imposed by the detection dead time of the individual detector. Thus, the path-entangled states can generate higher bitrates compared to scheme using entangled photon pair which are limited by the coincidence counts. We demonstrate this by generating a high rate of about 80 Mbps when the single photon detector saturates at around 28 Mcps and still show violation of CHSH inequality.
Quantum random number generators can provide genuine randomness by exploiting the intrinsic probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, which play important roles in many applications. However, the true randomness acquisition could be subject to attacks from untrusted devices involved or their deviations from the theoretical modelling. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a source-device-independent quantum random number generator, which enables one to access true random bits with an untrusted source device. The random bits are generated by measuring the arrival time of either photon of the time-energy entangled photon pairs produced from spontaneous parametric down conversion, where the entanglement is testified through the observation of nonlocal dispersion cancellation. In experiment we extract a generation rate of 1.125 Mbps by modified entropic uncertainty relation. Our approach provides a promising candidate for quantum random number generators with no characterization.