Quantum random number generator using a cloud superconducting quantum computer based on source-independent protocol

Yuanhao Li,Weilong Wang,Qianheng Duan,Xiangdong Meng,Hong Wang,Yangyang Fei,Zhi Ma

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-03286-9

Yuanhao Li, Weilong Wang + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03286-9

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2021
Citations: 4	License type: open-access

Affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Cryptology

Abstract

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) relies on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics to produce true random numbers which are important in information processing tasks. Due to the presence of the superposition state, a quantum computer can be used as a true random number generator. However, in practice, the implementation of the quantum computer is subject to various noise sources, which affects the randomness of the generated random numbers. To solve this problem, we propose a scheme based on the quantum computer which is motivated by the source-independent QRNG scheme in optics. By using a method to estimate the upper bound of the superposition state preparation error, the scheme can provide certified randomness in the presence of readout errors. To increase the generation rate of random bits, we also provide a parameter optimization method with a finite data size. In addition, we experimentally demonstrate our scheme on the cloud superconducting quantum computers of IBM.

Highlights

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) relies on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics to produce true random numbers which are important in information processing tasks
Compared with the pseudo random number generators (PRNGs) based on conventional digital computers, the QRNG based on quantum computers does not require random seeds, in which the risk of the predictability of output sequence can be avoided
Motivated by the original SI-QRNG protocol[34], we propose a scheme that can guarantee the randomness of random numbers generated by noisy quantum computers

Summary

Introduction

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) relies on the intrinsic randomness of quantum mechanics to produce true random numbers which are important in information processing tasks. The final extraction rate of random numbers can be given by estimating the error in the preparation of superposition state |+ . We analyze the protocol, where the final extracted number of random bits is further given in the presence of readout errors, and the estimation method and optimization of the parameter are provided.

Results

Conclusion