Realization of a quantum random generator certified with the Kochen-Specker theorem

TL;DR

This paper presents an experimental quantum random number generator that certifies randomness through the Kochen-Specker theorem, providing a rigorous proof of the unpredictability of its outputs despite practical imperfections.

Contribution

It demonstrates a non-device-independent quantum random number generator with certified randomness based on quantum contextuality and the Kochen-Specker theorem.

Findings

Generated data confirms the incomputable nature of the QRNG.

Certification remains valid despite experimental imperfections.

Provides a rigorous theoretical proof of outcome value-indefiniteness.

Abstract

Random numbers are required for a variety of applications from secure communications to Monte-Carlo simulation. Yet randomness is an asymptotic property and no output string generated by a physical device can be strictly proven to be random. We report an experimental realization of a quantum random number generator (QRNG) with randomness certified by quantum contextuality and the Kochen-Specker theorem. The certification is not performed in a device-independent way but through a rigorous theoretical proof of each outcome being value-indefinite even in the presence of experimental imperfections. The analysis of the generated data confirms the incomputable nature of our QRNG.