Parallel real-time quantum random number generator

TL;DR

This paper presents a high-speed quantum random number generator that uses multiplexing of vacuum fluctuations and FPGA-based processing to achieve a real-time rate of 8.25 Gbps, enabling fast and compact quantum randomness sources.

Contribution

It introduces a multiplexing scheme with FPGA post-processing to significantly increase real-time quantum random number generation speed.

Findings

Achieved 8.25 Gbps real-time random number generation.

Utilized multiplexing of multiple frequency modes of quantum vacuum.

Implemented FPGA-based Toeplitz-hashing extractors for data processing.

Abstract

Quantum random number generation exploits inherent randomness of quantum mechanical processes and measurements. Real-time generation rate of quantum random numbers is usually limited by electronic bandwidth and data processing rates. Here we use a multiplexing scheme to create a fast real-time quantum random number generator based on continuous variable vacuum fluctuations. Multiple sideband frequency modes of a quantum vacuum state within a homodyne detection bandwidth are concurrently extracted as the randomness source. Parallel post-processing of raw data from three sub-entropy sources is realized in one field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Toeplitz-hashing extractors. A cumulative generation rate of 8.25 Gbps in real-time is achieved. The system relies on optoelectronic components and circuits that could be integrated in a compact, economical package.

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