Ultra-fast Quantum Random Number Generator

Davide G. Marangon, Peter Raymond Smith, Nathan Walk +9 more

Davide G. Marangon, Peter Raymond Smith, Nathan Walk +9 more

Mario Stipčević, Rupert Ursin

Random numbers are essential for our modern information based society e.g. in cryptography. Unlike frequently used pseudo-random generators, physical random number generators do not depend on complex algorithms but rather on a physical process to provide true randomness. Quantum random number generators (QRNG) do rely on a process, which can be described by a probabilistic theory only, even in principle. Here we present a conceptually simple implementation, which offers a 100% efficiency of producing a random bit upon a request and simultaneously exhibits an ultra low latency. A careful technical and statistical analysis demonstrates its robustness against imperfections of the actual implemented technology and enables to quickly estimate randomness of very long sequences. Generated random numbers pass standard statistical tests without any post-processing. The setup described, as well as the theory presented here, demonstrate the maturity and overall understanding of the technology.

Sidney Perkowitz

Christian Kollmitzer, Stefan Schauer, Stefan Raß +1 more

Tobias Gehring, Cosmo Lupo, Arne Kordts +6 more

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) promise perfectly unpredictable random numbers. However, the security certification of the random numbers in form of a stochastic model often introduces assumptions that are either hardly justified or indeed unnecessary. Two important examples are the restriction of an adversary to the classical regime as well as negligible correlations between consecutive measurement outcomes. Additionally, non-rigorous system characterization opens a security loophole. In this work we experimentally realize a QRNG that does not rely on the aforementioned assumptions and whose stochastic model is established by a rigorous -- metrological -- approach. Based on quadrature measurements of vacuum fluctuations, we demonstrate a real-time random number generation rate of 8 \,GBit/s. Our security certification approach offers a number of practical benefits and will therefore find widespread applications in quantum random number generators. In particular, our generated random numbers are well suited for today's conventional and quantum cryptographic solutions.