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Hybrid integrated Gbps quantum random number generator based on laser phase fluctuation

Zitao Huang, Jialiang Li, Ye Chen, Xiaodong Fan, Tonglin Mu, Junran Guo, Jinquan Huang, Minjie Liu, Xinyi Wu, Lianye Liao, Ziran Xie, Zhiyu Tian, Shi-Hai Sun

Published Feb 25, 2025• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The quantum random number generator (QRNG) operates based on fundamental quantum mechanical principles to produce high-quality random numbers. Recently, chip-based QRNGs have garnered significant attention due to their compact size, low cost, and reduced power consumption. In this work, we demonstrate a hybrid integrated QRNG leveraging continuous-wave (CW) laser phase fluctuations. Using advanced hybrid packaging techniques, we integrate a tunable, unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer (uMZI), laser, and InGaAs photodiode (PD) within a 14-pin butterfly package. To enhance the long-term stability and reliability of the QRNG, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor is also attached to the chip for thermal regulation. The resulting integrated QRNG has a footprint of just 30 mm × 12.7 mm, and delivers a random number generation rate of 4.68 Gbps after min-entropy evaluation and post-processing. The combination of compact size and high-speed performance makes this hybrid integrated QRNG ideal for high-speed, large-scale applications.

DOI
10.1364/oe.553477

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Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.
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