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Nature Communications

A simple low-latency real-time certifiable quantum random number generator

Yanbao Zhang, Hsin-Pin Lo, Alan Mink, Takuya Ikuta, Toshimori Honjo, Hiroki Takesue, William J. Munro

Published Feb 24, 2021• 33 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract Quantum random numbers distinguish themselves from others by their intrinsic unpredictability arising from the principles of quantum mechanics. As such they are extremely useful in many scientific and real-world applications with considerable efforts going into their realizations. Most demonstrations focus on high asymptotic generation rates. For this goal, a large number of repeated trials are required to accumulate a significant store of certifiable randomness, resulting in a high latency between the initial request and the delivery of the requested random bits. Here we demonstrate low-latency real-time certifiable randomness generation from measurements on photonic time-bin states. For this, we develop methods to certify randomness taking into account adversarial imperfections in both the state preparation and the measurement apparatus. Every 0.12 s we generate a block of 8192 random bits which are certifiable against all quantum adversaries with an error bounded by 2 −64 . Our quantum random number generator is thus well suited for realizing a continuously-operating, high-security and high-speed quantum randomness beacon.

DOI
10.1038/s41467-021-21069-8

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Abstract Quantum random numbers distinguish themselves from others by their intrinsic unpredictability arising from the principles of quantum mechanics. As such they are extremely useful in many scientific and real-world applications with considerable efforts going into their realizations. Most demonstrations focus on high asymptotic generation rates. For this goal, a large number of repeated trials are required to accumulate a significant store of certifiable randomness, resulting in a high latency between the initial request and the delivery of the requested random bits. Here we demonstrate low-latency real-time certifiable randomness generation from measurements on photonic time-bin states. For this, we develop methods to certify randomness taking into account adversarial imperfections in both the state preparation and the measurement apparatus. Every 0.12 s we generate a block of 8192 random bits which are certifiable against all quantum adversaries with an error bounded by 2 −64 . Our quantum random number generator is thus well suited for realizing a continuously-operating, high-security and high-speed quantum randomness beacon.
Random numbers which are unpredictable and definitely unknown by anyone before they are generated are now used in a large number of real-world applications ranging from authentication, gaming, many online activities to simulations and optimizations. The development of a trusted randomness source is thus a necessity. In this work we present a simple design of a certifiable quantum random number generation and its. In particular we show how real-time low-latency randomness can be generated from measurements on time-bin photonic states every 0.12s. We generate a block of 2^13 random bits certifiable against the most powerful quantum adversary with its error bounded by 2^-64. Further our device is suitable for continuous operation giving it a potential application as a quantum randomness beacon.
Applications of randomness such as private key generation and public randomness beacons require small blocks of certified random bits on demand. Device-independent quantum random number generators can produce such random bits, but existing quantum-proof protocols and loophole-free implementations suffer from high latency, requiring many hours to produce any random bits. We demonstrate device-independent quantum randomness generation from a loophole-free Bell test with a more efficient quantum-proof protocol, obtaining multiple blocks of 512 random bits with an average experiment time of less than 5 min per block and with a certified error bounded by 2^{-64}≈5.42×10^{-20}.
Quantum entanglement represents an ideal resource to guarantee the security of random numbers employed in many scientific and cryptographic applications. However, entanglement-based certified random number generators are particularly challenging to implement. Here, we demonstrate a certified quantum random number generator based on momentum-polarization entangled single-photon states. The use of single-photon entanglement allows an attenuated laser source to be employed and a simple setup where only linear optical components are utilized. For the latter, a semi-device-independent modeling of the photonic quantum random number generator is developed, which certifies a minimum entropy of $(2.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\mathrm{%}$, corresponding to a generation rate of 4.4 kHz. At the expenses of a higher level of trust in the system, the certified minimum entropy can be increased to $(30.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\mathrm{%}$, implying a generation rate of 52.7 kHz. Our results show that a simple optical implementation combined with an accurate modeling provide an entanglement-based high-security quantum random number generator using imperfect devices.
Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) use the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanics to generate true randomness, as opposed to classical random number generators. However, ensuring the authenticity of this randomness still requires robust verification. Self-testing QRNGs address this need by enabling the validation of the randomness produced based on the observed data from the experiment while requiring few assumptions. In this work, we present a practical, self-testing QRNG designed to operate with an untrusted measurement device and a partially characterized source, allowing the user to check the adequate functioning of the setup in real time. Our experiment yields a rate of certified random bits of 450 kbps.
Random numbers play an important role in many areas, for example, encryption, cryptography, static analysis, simulations.It is also a fundamental resource in science and engineering.There are algorithmically generated numbers that are similar to random distributions, but are not actually random, called pseudo random number generators.In many cases the tasks to be solved are based on the unpredictability of random numbers, which cannot be guaranteed in the case of pseudo random number generators, true randomness is required.In such situations, we use real random number generators whose source of randomness is unpredictable random events.Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) generate real random numbers based on the inherent randomness of quantum measurements.Our goal is to generate fast random numbers at a lower cost.At the same time, a high level of randomness is essential.Through quantum mechanics, we can obtain true numbers using the unpredictable behavior of a photon, which is the basis of many modern cryptographic protocols.It is essential to trust cryptographic random number generators to generate only true random numbers.This is why certification methods are needed which will check both the operation of the device and the quality of the random bits generated.We present the improved novel quantum random number generator, which is based the on time of arrival QRNG.It uses the simple version of the detectors with few requirements.The novel QRNG produces more than one random bit per each photon detection.It is rather efficient and has a high level of randomness.Self-testing as well as device independent quantum random number generation methods are analyzed.The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are identified.The model of a novel semi self-testing certification method for quantum random number generators (QRNG) is offered in the paper.This method combines different types of certification approaches and is rather secure and efficient.Finally, the novel certification method is integrated into the model of the new quantum random number generator.The paper analyzes its security and efficiency.