Physical-random number generation using white frequency-modulation noise of frequency-stabilized semiconductor lasers

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Precisely frequency-stabilized semiconductor lasers produce physical-random numbers, allowing for optimal noise-suppression with one notable exception: white frequency-modulation (FM) noise. However, this component can also be converted into physical-random numbers. The interference created between two beams of rubidium (Rb) gas-cell-stabilized lasers allows for laser frequency noise to be extracted. Using this technique, we produce physical-random numbers from the relative frequency noise. Finally, we confirm that the numbers produced are, in fact, random, by means of the standard National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal Information Processing Standard (NIST FIPS) 140-2 test.