Abstract
We propose and demonstrate a technique for quantum random number generation based on the random population of the output spatial modes of a beam splitter when both inputs are simultaneously fed with indistinguishable weak coherent states. We simulate and experimentally validate the probability of generation of random bits as a function of the average photon number per input, and compare it to the traditional approach of a single weak coherent state transmitted through a beam-splitter, showing an improvement of up to 32%. The ensuing interference phenomenon reduces the probability of coincident counts between the detectors associated with bits 0 and 1, thus increasing the probability of occurrence of a valid output. A long bit string is assessed by a standard randomness test suite with good confidence. Our proposal can be easily implemented and opens attractive performance gains without a significant trade-off.
Highlights
Random numbers are an important resource for several applications in science and engineering, as in the MonteCarlo modeling method [1] and cryptography [2], and for daily applications, as lotteries and gambling
In this paper we present a technique for enhancing a Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) based on randomly populating the output spatial modes of a beam splitter by feeding it with indistinguishable mutually-incoherent weak coherent states (WCSs)
The probability to generate or discard of bits when using a detector with overall detection efficiency η
Summary
Random numbers are an important resource for several applications in science and engineering, as in the MonteCarlo modeling method [1] and cryptography [2], and for daily applications, as lotteries and gambling. Random number generators (RNGs) based on a deterministic process, usually an algorithm, generates a sequence that appears to be random at a first glance – in the sense of uniformly distributed statistics – but, in spite of being successfully employed in simulation tools [3], each generated bit is predictable in principle. This is a drawback that makes this kind of RNG inappropriate for some sensitive applications, as in quantum key distribution (QKD). An optimum operation point is obtained from the trade-off of avoiding multi-photon states while reducing the vacuum component
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