Quantum Random Number Generation Using a Quanta Image Sensor.

Emna Amri,Yacine Felk,Damien Stucki,Eric Fossum,Jiaju Ma

doi:10.3390/s16071002

Emna Amri, Yacine Felk + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s16071002

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Abstract

A new quantum random number generation method is proposed. The method is based on the randomness of the photon emission process and the single photon counting capability of the Quanta Image Sensor (QIS). It has the potential to generate high-quality random numbers with remarkable data output rate. In this paper, the principle of photon statistics and theory of entropy are discussed. Sample data were collected with QIS jot device, and its randomness quality was analyzed. The randomness assessment method and results are discussed.

Highlights

The generation of high-quality random numbers is becoming more and more important for several applications such as cryptography, scientific calculations (Monte-Carlo numerical simulations) and gambling
The low read noise of PG jot devices was fulfilled with improvements in conversion gain (CG) [14], and the photoelectron counting capability was demonstrated with quantization effects in the photon counting histogram (PCH) [15]
The feasibility of applying the Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) to the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) application was tested with PG jot devices

Summary

Introduction

The generation of high-quality random numbers is becoming more and more important for several applications such as cryptography, scientific calculations (Monte-Carlo numerical simulations) and gambling. Several hardware solutions have been used for true random number generation, and some of them are exploiting randomness in photon emission process. Sensors 2016, 16, 1002 an ideal detector should have high photon-counting accuracy with low read noise and low dark current to completely realize quantum-based randomness. The Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) can be regarded as a possible solution to meet these goals because of its high-accuracy photon-counting capability, high output-data rate, small pixel-device size, and strong compatibility with the CIS fabrication process. The low read noise of PG jot devices was fulfilled with improvements in conversion gain (CG) [14], and the photoelectron counting capability was demonstrated with quantization effects in the photon counting histogram (PCH) [15]

Randomness Generation Concept

Binary

Data Collection

Results

Comparison

Summary