Real-time Quantum Random Number Generator Research Articles

18.8 Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a photonic integrated chip

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.

An 8.4 Gbps real-time quantum random number generator based on quantum phase fluctuation

Based on the fundamental uncertainty of quantum mechanics, quantum random number generators can generate truly random number which is critically important for many applications, such as information security. However, while the generation rate of offline quantum random number generators could be up to tens of Gbps or more, that of real-time quantum random number generators is only 3.2 Gbps due to the relatively low post-processing speed, and the application of real-time quantum random number generators is limited. We propose an efficient and robust high-speed real-time quantum random number generation scheme based on quantum phase fluctuation of a distributed feedback laser, with improved post-processing techniques. Firstly, the quantum signal-to-noise ratio is increased by analyzing and quantifying quantum noise. Secondly, a time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter scheme is designed to achieve a real-time sampling rate of 8 GSa/s. Finally, the random bits are extracted using the minimum entropy estimation and Toeplitz-hashing randomness extraction. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme could achieves a real-time generation rate up to 8.4 Gbps, with an estimated offline generation rate of 82.32 Gbps.

Quantum random number generator based on single-photon emitter in gallium nitride.

We experimentally demonstrate a real-time quantum random number generator by using a room-temperature single-photon emitter from the defect in a commercial gallium nitride wafer. Due to the brightness of our single-photon emitter, the raw bit generation rate is about 1.8 MHz, and the unbiased bit generation rate is about 420 kHz after the von Neumann's randomness extraction procedure. Our results show that the commercial gallium nitride wafer has great potential for the development of integrated high-speed quantum random number generator devices.

Parallel real-time quantum random number generator.

The quantum random number generation exploits inherent randomness of quantum mechanical processes and measurements. The real-time generation rate of quantum random numbers is usually limited by electronic bandwidth and data processing rates. Here we use a multiplexing scheme to create a fast real-time quantum random number generator based on continuous variable vacuum fluctuations. Multiple sideband frequency modes of a quantum vacuum state within a homodyne detection bandwidth are concurrently extracted as the randomness source. Parallel postprocessing of raw data from three subentropy sources is realized in one field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Toeplitz-hashing extractors. A cumulative generation rate of 8.25Gbps in real time is achieved. The system relies on optoelectronic components and circuits that could be integrated in a compact, economical package.

6 Gbps real-time optical quantum random number generator based on vacuum fluctuation.

We demonstrate a 6 Gbps real-time optical quantum random number generator by measuring vacuum fluctuation. To address the common problem that speed gap exists between fast randomness generation and slow randomness extraction in most high-speed real-time quantum random number generator systems, we present an optimized extraction algorithm based on parallel implementation of Toeplitz hashing to reduce the influence of classical noise due to the imperfection of devices. Notably, the real-time rate of randomness extraction we have achieved reaches the highest speed of 12 Gbps by occupying less computing resources, and the algorithm has the ability to support hundreds of Gbps randomness extraction. By assuming that the eavesdropper with complete knowledge of the classical noise, our generator has a randomness generation speed of 6.83 Gbps and this supports the generation of 6 Gbps information-theoretically provable quantum random numbers, which are output in real-time through peripheral component interconnect express interface.

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

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.

Minimalist design of a robust real-time quantum random number generator

We present a simple and robust construction of a real-time quantum random number generator (QRNG). Our minimalist approach ensures stable operation of the device as well as its simple and straightforward hardware implementation as a stand-alone module. As a source of randomness the device uses measurements of time intervals between clicks of a single-photon detector. The obtained raw sequence is then filtered and processed by a deterministic randomness extractor, which is realized as a look-up table. This enables high speed on-the-fly processing without the need of extensive computations. The overall performance of the device is around 1 random bit per detector click, resulting in 1.2 Mbit/s generation rate in our implementation.