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Journal of Optics

Effect of photon statistics on vacuum fluctuations based QRNG

Abdulrahman Dandasi, Helin Ozel, Orkun Hasekioğlu, Kadir Durak

Published Jan 10, 2021• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract The speed of quantum random number generators (QRNGs) is a major concern for practical applications. In this work, we introduce scattering as a method to enhance the randomness characteristics of the entropy source. This method allows optical bit extraction with a faster sampling rate without compromising the randomness quality compared to the coherent source based balanced homodyne detection. Scattering is a probabilistic phenomenon which increases the chaotic behaviour of coherent sources. It broadens the distribution of photon statistics and makes it super-Poissonian. We show that a signal with super-Poissonian distribution has better randomness compared to a Poissonian one, indicated by their autocorrelation characteristics and the randomness test results. The use of scattering mechanisms as an entropy source eases the miniaturization of QRNGs, it also makes them compatible and adaptable to existing technologies.

DOI
10.1088/2040-8986/abd9dd

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Abstract The speed of quantum random number generators (QRNGs) is a major concern for practical applications. In this work, we introduce scattering as a method to enhance the randomness characteristics of the entropy source. This method allows optical bit extraction with a faster sampling rate without compromising the randomness quality compared to the coherent source based balanced homodyne detection. Scattering is a probabilistic phenomenon which increases the chaotic behaviour of coherent sources. It broadens the distribution of photon statistics and makes it super-Poissonian. We show that a signal with super-Poissonian distribution has better randomness compared to a Poissonian one, indicated by their autocorrelation characteristics and the randomness test results. The use of scattering mechanisms as an entropy source eases the miniaturization of QRNGs, it also makes them compatible and adaptable to existing technologies.
The speed of quantum random number generators is a major concern for practical quantum applications. However, the bit extraction process limits the final bit rate due to lack of comparably fast electronics. Here we introduce optical scattering as a method to perform optical bit extraction. Scattering is a probabilistic phenomenon and it increases the chaotic behaviour of coherent sources. As a result, it broadens the distribution of photon statistics and makes it super-Poissonian. We show that the raw signal of the sources with super-Poissonian distribution have better randomness compared to Poissonian, indicated by their autocorrelation characteristics. Therefore, the optical bit extraction process allows faster sampling of raw signal without compromising the randomness quality. The use of scattering mechanisms as an entropy source eases the miniaturization of quantum random number generators, it also makes them compatible and adaptable to existing technologies.
Random Number Generators (QRNGs) represent a promising alternative to classical pseudorandom methods, providing a genuine source of randomness based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.This article investigates a particular class of QRNGs -Optical Quantum Random Number Generators (OQRNGs) -which rely on phenomena such as quantum state superposition, wavefunction collapse, vacuum fluctuations, and Raman scattering to generate random bits.The architecture of these systems is analyzed in detail, along with the types of photon sources and detectors employed, as well as the entropy extraction mechanisms.Through a comparative approach, the advantages and limitations of each technology are highlighted: from the simplicity of implementation in beam-splitter-based generators to the high bit rates and scalability offered by systems using homodyne detection or Raman-based schemes.The study results indicate that OQRNGs can be successfully integrated into critical post-quantum security infrastructures, providing verifiable randomness that is fundamentally irreproducible by algorithmic means.In conclusion, optical quantum random number generators constitute a key step toward enhancing digital security by directly harnessing the fundamental uncertainty inherent in the physical nature of light.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are an integral part of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. To better understand the inherent physical processes, we compare the random numbers generated by two separate schemes, one is based on entropy (arrival time of photons) and another with an additional source of entropy (space) i.e, path superposition of arrival time of photons from a weak coherent source on a gated InGaAs single photon detector. Both experiments yield bits that appear random. However, they satisfy different criteria of randomness. The weak coherent source has a Poissonian distribution and extracting the variation about the arrival time of photons on gated SPD yields a source of random numbers that pass most of the Dieharder Tests. With the inclusion of superposition, we obtain random numbers that pass all the Dieharder tests. The physical origins of the random numbers in the two experiments is different, one is single entropy source based and other one is two entropy source based, and this is reflected in the outcomes of the different tests for randomness.
Abstract This work presents two significant contributions from the perspectives of quantum random number generator (QRNG) manufacturers and users. For manufacturers, the conventional method of assessing the quantumness of single-photon-based QRNGs through mean and variance comparisons of photon counts is statistically unreliable due to finite sample sizes. Given the sub-Poissonian statistics of single photons, confirming the underlying distribution is crucial for validating a QRNG’s quantumness. We propose a more efficient two-fold statistical approach to ensure the quantumness of optical sources with the desired confidence level. Additionally, we demonstrate that the output of QRNGs from exponential and uniform distributions exhibits similarity under device noise, deriving corresponding photon statistics and conditions for ε-randomness. From the user’s perspective, the fundamental parameters of a QRNG are quantumness, efficiency (entropy and random number generation rate), and cost. Our analysis reveals that these parameters depend on three factors, namely, expected photon count per unit time, external reference cycle duration, and detection efficiency. A lower expected photon count enhances entropy but increases cost and decreases the generation rate. A shorter external reference cycle boosts entropy but must exceed a minimum threshold to minimize timing errors, with minor impacts on cost and rate. Lower detection efficiency enhances entropy and lowers cost but reduces the generation rate. Finally, to validate our results, we perform statistical tests like NIST, Dieharder, AIS-31, ENT etc over the data simulated with different values of the above parameters. Our findings can empower manufacturers to customize QRNGs to meet user needs effectively.
The importance of quantum random number generators (QRNGs) is increasing day by day. An important aspect of any QRNG is the speed of the system. This paper introduces the theory behind a pseudothermal light based QRNG. This pseudothermal effect is provided by using an optical scatterer in the setup. Pseudothermal light is used as the local oscillator of the system instead of a conventional coherent or thermal light source where the pseudothermal light combines the advantages of both sources. This technique converts the Poissonian distribution of light to super-Poissonian to have better randomness characteristics and allow a faster bit generation rate.