Device Independent Random Number Generation

TL;DR

This paper reviews device independent quantum random number generators that produce nearly perfect randomness using quantum devices, even with minimal initial randomness, addressing classical limitations and stability issues.

Contribution

It summarizes key results enabling almost perfect randomness generation with quantum devices and weak initial randomness, advancing the understanding of device independent protocols.

Findings

Quantum protocols can certify randomness with classical tests.

Almost perfect randomness can be generated from weak sources.

Device independence enhances security and reliability.

Abstract

Randomness is an invaluable resource in today's life with a broad use reaching from numerical simulations through randomized algorithms to cryptography. However, on the classical level no true randomness is available and even the use of simple quantum devices in a prepare-measure setting suffers from lack of stability and controllability. This gave rise to a group of quantum protocols that provide randomness certified by classical statistical tests -- Device Independent Quantum Random Number Generators. In this paper we review the most relevant results in this field, which allow the production of almost perfect randomness with help of quantum devices, supplemented with an arbitrary weak source of additional randomness. This is in fact the best one could hope for to achieve, as with no starting randomness (corresponding to no free will in a different concept) even a quantum world would have a fully deterministic description.