Non-deterministic random bit generator based on electronics noise

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 M...

We introduce a method for non-uniform random number generation based on sampling a physical process in a controlled environment. We demonstrate one proof-of-concept implementation of the method that reduces the error of Monte Carlo integration of a univariate Gaussian by 1068 times while doubling the speed of the Monte Carlo simulation. We show that the supply voltage and temperature of the physical process must be controlled to prevent the mean and standard deviation of the ...

Random numbers are important in many activities, including communication, encryption, science, gambling, finance, and decision-making. There is a strong demand for a hardware random number generator that could support cryptographic applications. In this work, we propose a quantum tunneling diode as a source of true randomness achieved by applying electrical current sweeps through the device and then harnessing a time-counting unit to measure fluctuation of current flows. Our ...

Random number generation is crucial in many aspects of everyday life, as online security and privacy depend ultimately on the quality of random numbers. Many current implementations are based on pseudo-random number generators, but information security requires true random numbers for sensitive applications like key generation in banking, defence or even social media. True random number generators are systems whose outputs cannot be determined, even if their internal structur...

Cheap micro-controllers, such as the Arduino or other controllers based on the Atmel AVR CPUs are being deployed in a wide variety of projects, ranging from sensors networks to robotic submarines. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of using the Arduino as a true random number generator (TRNG). The Arduino Reference Manual recommends using it to seed a pseudo random number generator (PRNG) due to its ability to read random atmospheric noise from its analog pins. Thi...

We aim to access entropy sources available within smartphones in order to construct and evaluate a random number generator which is competitive in comparison with existing and proven random number generators. A prototype utilizing the herein proposed algorithm shall generate data that can be tested against the Statistical Test Suit provided by NIST. Although our initial intention of using cosmic radiation failed, we were able to extract randomness from incoming video and audi...

Ability to generate random numbers is an important resource for many applications ranging from scientific research to practical cryptography and quantum technologies. However, a widely accepted definition of random numbers, or randomness, has eluded researchers thus far. Without a definition, it is impossible to complete security proofs or make new industrial standards. Here, we propose an information-theory-based definition of randomness which, unlike state of the art, does ...

We propose a new approach to nondeterministic random number generation. In theory, the randomness originated from the uncorrelated nature of consecutive laser pulses with Poissonian photon number distribution and that of the consecutive single photon detections is used to generate random bit. In experiment, von Neumann correction method is applied to extract the final random bit. This method is proved to be bias free in randomness generation, provided that the single photon d...

This progress report covers recent developments in the area of quantum randomness, which is an extraordinarily interdisciplinary area that belongs not only to physics, but also to philosophy, mathematics, computer science, and technology. For this reason the article contains three parts that will be essentially devoted to different aspects of quantum randomness, and even directed, although not restricted, to various audiences: a philosophical part, a physical part, and a tech...

We present results of an extensive test program of a group of pseudorandom number generators which are commonly used in the applications of physics, in particular in Monte Carlo simulations. The generators include public domain programs, manufacturer installed routines and a random number sequence produced from physical noise. We start by traditional statistical tests, followed by detailed bit level and visual tests. The computational speed of various algorithms is also scrut...