Random number generation with cosmic photons

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a cosmic photon-based random number generator that passes standard tests and proposes a design to use it in Bell tests, addressing the freedom-of-choice loophole in quantum physics experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel cosmic photon-based RNG and a practical design for its application in Bell tests to close the freedom-of-choice loophole.

Findings

Raw data passes NIST statistical tests

Design for Bell test implementation using cosmic RNGs

Addresses the freedom-of-choice loophole in quantum experiments

Abstract

Random numbers are indispensable for a variety of applications ranging from testing physics foundation to information encryption. In particular, nonlocality tests provide a strong evidence to our current understanding of nature -- quantum mechanics. All the random number generators (RNG) used for the existing tests are constructed locally, making the test results vulnerable to the freedom-of-choice loophole. We report an experimental realization of RNGs based on the arrival time of cosmic photons. The measurement outcomes (raw data) pass the standard NIST statistical test suite. We present a realistic design to employ these RNGs in a Bell test experiment, which addresses the freedom-of-choice loophole.