Multiplexed Quantum Random Number Generation

TL;DR

This paper presents a multiplexed quantum random number generator that achieves high bit-rate secure randomness using vacuum fluctuations and a single integrated optical device, significantly surpassing traditional electronic bandwidth limits.

Contribution

It introduces a multiplexing scheme with seven homodyne detectors to generate quantum randomness at 3.08 Gbit/s, demonstrating a novel high-speed quantum random number generation method.

Findings

Achieved a 3.08 Gbit/s random number generation rate.

Utilized vacuum fluctuations and multiplexing for enhanced speed.

Demonstrated an unseeded strong extractor at 26 Mbit/s.

Abstract

Fast secure random number generation is essential for high-speed encrypted communication, and is the backbone of information security. Generation of truly random numbers depends on the intrinsic randomness of the process used and is usually limited by electronic bandwidth and signal processing data rates. Here we use a multiplexing scheme to create a fast quantum random number generator structurally tailored to encryption for distributed computing, and high bit-rate data transfer. We use vacuum fluctuations measured by seven homodyne detectors as quantum randomness sources, multiplexed using a single integrated optical device. We obtain a random number generation rate of 3.08 Gbit/s, from only 27.5 MHz of sampled detector bandwidth. Furthermore, we take advantage of the multiplexed nature of our system to demonstrate an unseeded strong extractor with a generation rate of 26 Mbit/s.