A quantum random number generator on a nanosatellite in low Earth orbit

Abstract

Quantum random number generators find applications in both quantum and classical communications schemes, particularly in security protocols where they can be used as a source of random seed or key material. In this work, we describe the implementation of a quantum random number generator on-board a nanosatellite deployed in low Earth orbit. Our generator samples shot noise from an entangled photon-pair source based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, linking the entropy of the output to the quantization of the down-converted beam. We present analyzed data from the orbiting instrument alongside data taken from a ground-based engineering model where the statistical test suites indicate a good match to the output from a uniform distribution. Finally, we use the source to implement a prototype for an off-grid randomness beacon. This work paves the way to future low Earth orbit based public quantum randomness beacons.