Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

National Radio Science Conference

Quantum Random Number Generation within Idle Time Windows of Quantum Key Distribution

Salem F. Hegazy, M. Mosaad Allam, Salah S. A. Obayya, Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Published May 6, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present a quantum random number generator system that relies on precise time measurements of the intervals between random clicks of single photon detectors. These SPDs are embedded in a quantum key distribution system. During the QKD transfer's time window, the SPDs perform their usual function of measuring the photon state. Outside of this window, the SPDs are subjected to faint laser pulses that induce random clicks on the detectors. A Field Programmable Gate Array is employed to measure the time interval between these random clicks based on an internal 470 MHz clock. The FPGA then transmits a portion of the random measurement to a personal computer. The resulting sequence demonstrates a high degree of randomness, making it a reliable resource for randomness in the QKD process.

DOI
10.1109/nrsc65659.2025.11018588

Related papers

Quantum Random Number Generation for 1.25-GHz Quantum Key Distribution Systems

Anthony Martin, Bruno Sanguinetti, Charles Ci Wen Lim +2 more

Security proofs of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems usually assume that the users have access to source of perfect randomness. State-of-the-art QKD systems run at frequencies in the gigahertz range, requiring a sustained gigahertz rate of generation and acquisition of quantum random numbers. In this paper, we demonstrate such a high-speed random number generator. The entropy source is based on an amplified spontaneous emission from an erbium-doped fibre, which is directly acquired using a standard small form-factor pluggable module. The module connects to the field programmable gate array (FPGA) of a QKD system. A real-time randomness extractor is implemented in the FPGA, and achieves a sustained rate of 1.25 Gb/s of provably random bits.

arXiv:1504.07769•Journal of Lightwave Technology•Apr 7, 2015•48 citations

Minimalist design of a robust real-time quantum random number generator

Konstantin Kravtsov, I. V. Radchenko, S. P. Kulik +1 more

We present a simple and robust construction of a real-time quantum random number generator. Our minimalist approach ensures stable operation of the device as well as its simple and straightforward hardware implementation as a stand-alone module. As a source of randomness the device uses measurements of time intervals between clicks of a single-photon detector. The obtained raw sequence is then filtered and processed by a deterministic randomness extractor, which is realized as a look-up table. This enables high-speed on-the-fly processing without the need of extensive computations. The overall performance of the device is around 1 random bit per detector click, resulting in 1.2 Mbit/s generation rate in our implementation.

arXiv:1507.02059•Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Jul 24, 2015•11 citations

Practical random number generation protocol for entanglement-based quantum key distribution

GUILHERME BARRETO XAVIER, Thiago Ferreira da Silva, G. Vilela de Faria +2 more

A simple protocol which takes advantage of the inherent random times of detections in single photon counting modules is presented for random active basis choices when using entanglement-based protocols for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It may also be applicable to the BB84 protocol in certain cases. The scheme presented uses the single photon detectors already present on a QKD setup, working on the same rate as the system is capable of detecting, and is, therefore, not limited by the output rates of quantum random number generators. This protocol only requires small hardware modifications making it an attractive solution. We perform a proof-of-principle experiment employing a spontaneous parametric down-conversion process in a $\chi^{(2)}$ non-linear crystal to demonstrate the feasibility of our scheme, and show that the generated sequence passes randomness tests.

arXiv:0810.0483•Quantum Information and Computation•Jul 1, 2009•1 citation

Optical quantum random number generator based on parity of the number of photons detected in equal time intervals

Qiurong Yan, Baosheng Zhao, Hua Zhang +2 more

An optical quantum random number generator based on parity of the number of photons detected in the equal time intervals was proposed. Light emitted from a continuous wave laser diode is attenuated into discrete single-photon sequence. The single photon is detected by a single-photon avalanche photodiode module. Random bit is extracted by measuring the parity of number of photons detected in equal time interval. The random bit extraction circuit based on field programmable gate array was developed. The influences of the size of time interval and the performance parameters of single photon module on performance of the designed random number generator were analyzed. In order to achieve a random bit generator with small deviation and fast generation rate, a method of setting time interval automatically according to average counting rate was proposed. A random bit generation rate of 2 Mbit/s was obtained when the designed random number generator works on a counting rate of 20 Mcps and the equal time interval is set as 0.5 μs. The random bit sequences were tested by random number test program ENT and STS. The test results show that the generated random bit sequences fully meet the standards of true random numbers, and do not require post-processin ©, 2015, Chinese Optical Society. All right reserved.

•Jun 1, 2015•0 citations

Single-pixel postprocessing-free 5 Mbps quantum random number generator using a single-photon avalanche diode detector and a T/(T − t) pulse-shaped laser driver

Alija Dervić, Nikša Tadić, Hiwa Mahmoudi +3 more

Experimental demonstration of a quantum random number generator based on one single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector, a T / ( T − t ) pulse-shaped laser, and an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acquisition module is presented. An integrated laser driver drives an external laser diode at 670 nm wavelength, whereas the SPAD with a photon detection probability of 18.5% is integrated together with an active quenching-resetting circuit. The SPAD detector generates counts for the interarrival time (IAT) measurement system implemented in an FPGA, where the change of the IATs between consecutive pulses is used to derive a random bit stream. It is shown how the application of a pulse-shaped laser driver can increase the performance of the system as compared to the continuous-wave operation of the laser diode to achieve the maximum generation rate of 5 Mbps while using a single SPAD. The generated numbers pass all randomness tests of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Dieharder, and ENT test (pseudorandom number sequence test) suits.

Optical Engineering•Dec 14, 2020•4 citations

Quantum Random Number Generator with One and Two Entropy Sources

Gautam Kumar Shaw, S.R. Sivaram, Anil Prabhakar

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.

National Conference on Communications•Feb 1, 2019•8 citations
We present a quantum random number generator system that relies on precise time measurements of the intervals between random clicks of single photon detectors. These SPDs are embedded in a quantum key distribution system. During the QKD transfer's time window, the SPDs perform their usual function of measuring the photon state. Outside of this window, the SPDs are subjected to faint laser pulses that induce random clicks on the detectors. A Field Programmable Gate Array is employed to measure the time interval between these random clicks based on an internal 470 MHz clock. The FPGA then transmits a portion of the random measurement to a personal computer. The resulting sequence demonstrates a high degree of randomness, making it a reliable resource for randomness in the QKD process.
Security proofs of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems usually assume that the users have access to source of perfect randomness. State-of-the-art QKD systems run at frequencies in the gigahertz range, requiring a sustained gigahertz rate of generation and acquisition of quantum random numbers. In this paper, we demonstrate such a high-speed random number generator. The entropy source is based on an amplified spontaneous emission from an erbium-doped fibre, which is directly acquired using a standard small form-factor pluggable module. The module connects to the field programmable gate array (FPGA) of a QKD system. A real-time randomness extractor is implemented in the FPGA, and achieves a sustained rate of 1.25 Gb/s of provably random bits.
We present a simple and robust construction of a real-time quantum random number generator. Our minimalist approach ensures stable operation of the device as well as its simple and straightforward hardware implementation as a stand-alone module. As a source of randomness the device uses measurements of time intervals between clicks of a single-photon detector. The obtained raw sequence is then filtered and processed by a deterministic randomness extractor, which is realized as a look-up table. This enables high-speed on-the-fly processing without the need of extensive computations. The overall performance of the device is around 1 random bit per detector click, resulting in 1.2 Mbit/s generation rate in our implementation.
A simple protocol which takes advantage of the inherent random times of detections in single photon counting modules is presented for random active basis choices when using entanglement-based protocols for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It may also be applicable to the BB84 protocol in certain cases. The scheme presented uses the single photon detectors already present on a QKD setup, working on the same rate as the system is capable of detecting, and is, therefore, not limited by the output rates of quantum random number generators. This protocol only requires small hardware modifications making it an attractive solution. We perform a proof-of-principle experiment employing a spontaneous parametric down-conversion process in a χ(2)\chi^{(2)}χ(2) non-linear crystal to demonstrate the feasibility of our scheme, and show that the generated sequence passes randomness tests.
An optical quantum random number generator based on parity of the number of photons detected in the equal time intervals was proposed. Light emitted from a continuous wave laser diode is attenuated into discrete single-photon sequence. The single photon is detected by a single-photon avalanche photodiode module. Random bit is extracted by measuring the parity of number of photons detected in equal time interval. The random bit extraction circuit based on field programmable gate array was developed. The influences of the size of time interval and the performance parameters of single photon module on performance of the designed random number generator were analyzed. In order to achieve a random bit generator with small deviation and fast generation rate, a method of setting time interval automatically according to average counting rate was proposed. A random bit generation rate of 2 Mbit/s was obtained when the designed random number generator works on a counting rate of 20 Mcps and the equal time interval is set as 0.5 μs. The random bit sequences were tested by random number test program ENT and STS. The test results show that the generated random bit sequences fully meet the standards of true random numbers, and do not require post-processin ©, 2015, Chinese Optical Society. All right reserved.
Experimental demonstration of a quantum random number generator based on one single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector, a T / ( T − t ) pulse-shaped laser, and an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acquisition module is presented. An integrated laser driver drives an external laser diode at 670 nm wavelength, whereas the SPAD with a photon detection probability of 18.5% is integrated together with an active quenching-resetting circuit. The SPAD detector generates counts for the interarrival time (IAT) measurement system implemented in an FPGA, where the change of the IATs between consecutive pulses is used to derive a random bit stream. It is shown how the application of a pulse-shaped laser driver can increase the performance of the system as compared to the continuous-wave operation of the laser diode to achieve the maximum generation rate of 5 Mbps while using a single SPAD. The generated numbers pass all randomness tests of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Dieharder, and ENT test (pseudorandom number sequence test) suits.
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.