Integrated Gbps quantum random number generator with real-time extraction based on homodyne detection

Abstract

High-speed quantum random number generators are highly demanded in cryptographic systems, whose bottleneck lies in the ease of implementation and the efficiency of real-time post-processing. Based on homodyne detection of a coherent state, we realize a compact Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a silica planar light circuit. We integrate all the optical and electrical modules into a stand-alone device, use standard low-cost components, and make the whole system simple and robust. Homodyne detection and real-time hashing extraction circuits are built into compact electronics with a final generation rate of 1 Gbps. Our demonstration shows an economic, compact, robust, and high-speed quantum random number generator available for immediate commercialization.