Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging

A real-time low-latency certifiable QRNG

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

Published Jul 30, 2021• 0 citations

Abstract

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.

DOI: 10.1117/12.2593285

Related papers

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

Yanbao Zhang, Hsin-Pin Lo, Alan Mink +4 more

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.

Nature CommunicationsFeb 24, 202133 citations

A Simple Low-latency Real-time Certifiable Quantum Random Number Generator

Y. Zhang, Hsin-Pin Lo, Takuya Ikuta +3 more

We demonstrate a simple scheme for generating certifiable quantum random numbers considering the imperfections in quantum devices employed. Particularly, we show low-latency real-time randomness generation from measurements on photonic time-bin states. Every 0.12s, we certify enough entropy against a quantum adversary to generate a block of 8192 random bits with a certified error bounded by 10-20. It can be run continuously and is thus well suited as a quantum randomness beacon.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-OpticsJan 1, 20202 citations

Modulator-free, self-testing quantum random number generator

Ana Blázquez, Fadri Grünenfelder, Anthony Martin +3 more

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.

arXiv:2507.12346EPJ Quantum TechnologyMar 24, 20260 citations

Experimental Low-Latency Device-Independent Quantum Randomness

Yanbao Zhang, Lynden K. Shalm, Joshua C. Bienfang +10 more

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}.

arXiv:1812.07786Physical Review LettersJan 7, 202063 citations

Fully passive quantum random number generation with untrusted light

Kaiwei Qiu, Yu Cai, Nelly H. Y. Ng +1 more

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) harness the inherent unpredictability of quantum mechanics to produce true randomness. Yet, in many optical implementations, the light source remains a potential vulnerability—susceptible to deviations from ideal behavior and even adversarial eavesdropping. Source-device-independent (SDI) protocols address this with a pragmatic strategy, by removing trust assumptions on the source, and instead rely on realistic modeling and characterization of the measurement device. In this work, we enhance an existing SDI-QRNG protocol by eliminating the need for a perfectly balanced beam splitter within the trusted measurement device, which is an idealized assumption made for the simplification of security analysis. We demonstrate that certified randomness can still be reliably extracted across a wide range of beam-splitting ratios, significantly improving the protocol’s practicality and robustness. Using only off-the-shelf components, our implementation achieves real-time randomness generation rates of 0.347 Gbps. We also experimentally validate the protocol’s resilience against adversarial attacks and highlight its self-testing capabilities. These advances mark a significant step toward practical, lightweight, high-performance, fully passive, and composably secure QRNGs suitable for real-world deployment.

arXiv:2505.00636APL QuantumOct 17, 20253 citations

Silicon-based quantum random number generator with untrusted sources and uncharacterized measurements

Zhengeng Zhao, Xin Hua, Yongqiang Du +5 more

Random numbers are essential resources in science and engineering, with indispensable applications in simulation, cybersecurity, and finance. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs), based on the principles of quantum mechanics, ensure genuine randomness and unpredictability. Silicon photonics enables the large-scale deployment of integrated QRNGs due to its low cost, miniaturization, and compatibility with CMOS technology. However, current integrated QRNGs are typically based on perfect or partially perfect device models, deviating from real-world devices, which compromises the unpredictability of quantum random numbers. In this study, we implemented a silicon-based QRNG that makes no assumptions about the source and only uses trusted but uncharacterized measurement devices. In experimental demonstration, we show that our setup can generate secure random numbers with different choices of intensities of laser light, and achieve an optimized random number generation rate of up to 4.04 Mbps. Our work significantly advances the security, practicality, and commercial development of QRNGs by employing imperfect devices.

Optics ExpressAug 16, 20244 citations