Quantum Random Number Generator with One and Two Entropy Sources
01 Feb 2019-pp 1-4
TL;DR: This work compares the random numbers generated by two separate schemes, one is based on entropy and another with an additional source of entropy i.e, path superposition of arrival time of photons from a weak coherent source on a gated InGaAs single photon detector.
Abstract: Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are an integral part of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. To better understand the inherent physical processes, we compare the random numbers generated by two separate schemes, one is based on entropy (arrival time of photons) and another with an additional source of entropy (space) i.e, path superposition of arrival time of photons from a weak coherent source on a gated InGaAs single photon detector. Both experiments yield bits that appear random. However, they satisfy different criteria of randomness. The weak coherent source has a Poissonian distribution and extracting the variation about the arrival time of photons on gated SPD yields a source of random numbers that pass most of the Dieharder Tests. With the inclusion of superposition, we obtain random numbers that pass all the Dieharder tests. The physical origins of the random numbers in the two experiments is different, one is single entropy source based and other one is two entropy source based, and this is reflected in the outcomes of the different tests for randomness.
Citations
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TL;DR: This survey aims to provide researchers with information about the importance of RNG-based ciphers and various research techniques for QRNGs that can incorporate quantum-based true randomness in cryptosystems.
Abstract: Cryptography is the study and practice of secure communication with digital data and focuses on confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. Random number generators (RNGs) generate random numbers to enhance security. Even though the cryptographic algorithms are public and their strength depends on the keys, cryptoanalysis of encrypted ciphers can significantly contribute to the unveiling of the cipher’s key. Therefore, to ensure high data security over a network, researchers need to improve the randomness of keys as they develop cryptosystems. Quantum particles have a leading edge in advancing RNG technology as they can provide true randomness, unlike pseudo-random numbers generators (PRNGs). In order to increase the level of the security of cryptographic systems based on random numbers, this survey focuses on three objectives: Cryptosystems with related cryptographic attacks, RNG-based cryptosystems, and the design of quantum random number generators (QRNGs). This survey aims to provide researchers with information about the importance of RNG-based ciphers and various research techniques for QRNGs that can incorporate quantum-based true randomness in cryptosystems.
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TL;DR: It is shown that good quality random bit sequences can be generated at very fast bit rates using physical chaos in semiconductor lasers, which means that the performance of random number generators can be greatly improved by using chaotic laser devices as physical entropy sources.
Abstract: Random number generators in digital information systems make use of physical entropy sources such as electronic and photonic noise to add unpredictability to deterministically generated pseudo-random sequences1,2. However, there is a large gap between the generation rates achieved with existing physical sources and the high data rates of many computation and communication systems; this is a fundamental weakness of these systems. Here we show that good quality random bit sequences can be generated at very fast bit rates using physical chaos in semiconductor lasers. Streams of bits that pass standard statistical tests for randomness have been generated at rates of up to 1.7 Gbps by sampling the fluctuating optical output of two chaotic lasers. This rate is an order of magnitude faster than that of previously reported devices for physical random bit generators with verified randomness. This means that the performance of random number generators can be greatly improved by using chaotic laser devices as physical entropy sources. Random-number generators are important in digital information systems. However, the speed at which current sources operate is much slower than the typical data rates used in communication and computing. Chaos in semiconductor lasers might help to bridge the gap.
823 citations
"Quantum Random Number Generator wit..." refers background in this paper
...Recently, physical random number generation techniques were reported in literature [2] [3], which are based on chaotic behaviour of a semiconductor laser....
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TL;DR: Before QKD can be widely adopted, it faces a number of important challenges such as secret key rate, distance, size, cost and practical security, according to a survey of key challenges.
Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) promises unconditional security in data communication and is currently being deployed in commercial applications. Nonetheless, before QKD can be widely adopted, it faces a number of important challenges such as secret key rate, distance, size, cost and practical security. Here, we survey those key challenges and the approaches that are currently being taken to address them.
612 citations
"Quantum Random Number Generator wit..." refers background in this paper
...However, the use of a quantum random number generator (QRNG) seems to be crucial in quantum key generation, used for encrypted data communication in optical fiber or free space [13] [14]....
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TL;DR: In this article, a beam splitter was used to generate a binary random signal with an autocorrelation time of 11.8 ns and a continuous stream of random numbers at a rate of 1 Mbit/s.
Abstract: We present the realization of a physical quantum random number generator based on the process of splitting a beam of photons on a beam splitter, a quantum mechanical source of true randomness. By utilizing either a beam splitter or a polarizing beam splitter, single photon detectors and high speed electronics the presented devices are capable of generating a binary random signal with an autocorrelation time of 11.8 ns and a continuous stream of random numbers at a rate of 1 Mbit/s. The randomness of the generated signals and numbers is shown by running a series of tests upon data samples. The devices described in this paper are built into compact housings and are simple to operate.
474 citations
"Quantum Random Number Generator wit..." refers methods in this paper
...Examples of demonstrated QRNG include two path splitting of single photon [6], time of generation or counting of photons [7] [8], fluctuations of the vacuum state using homodyne detection techniques...
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TL;DR: Researchers demonstrate random-number generation by exploiting the intrinsic randomness of vacuum states, which may lead to reliable and high-speed quantum random- number generators for applications ranging from gambling to cryptography.
Abstract: Researchers demonstrate random-number generation by exploiting the intrinsic randomness of vacuum states. The approach may lead to reliable and high-speed quantum random-number generators for applications ranging from gambling to cryptography.
360 citations
"Quantum Random Number Generator wit..." refers background in this paper
...[9], photon number path entangled state [10], as well as interferometric schemes [11]....
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TL;DR: The fluctuating intensity of a chaotic semiconductor laser is used for generating random sequences at rates up to 12.5 Gbits/s and the overall rate of generation is much faster than any previously reported random number generator based on a physical mechanism.
Abstract: The fluctuating intensity of a chaotic semiconductor laser is used for generating random sequences at rates up to 12.5 Gbits/s. The conversion of the fluctuating intensity to a random bit sequence can be implemented in either software or hardware and the overall rate of generation is much faster than any previously reported random number generator based on a physical mechanism. The generator's simplicity, robustness, and insensitivity to control parameters should enable its application to tasks of secure communication and calculation procedures requiring ultrahigh-speed generation of random bit sequences.
346 citations
"Quantum Random Number Generator wit..." refers background in this paper
...Recently, physical random number generation techniques were reported in literature [2] [3], which are based on chaotic behaviour of a semiconductor laser....
[...]