# Real-time inteferometric quantum random number generation on chip

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a high-speed, on-chip quantum random number generator using interference of gain-switched laser pulses, achieving 8 Gbps data rates and passing NIST randomness tests for secure cryptographic applications.

## Contribution

It introduces a compact, integrated photonic circuit for real-time quantum random number generation at gigabit speeds, combining on-chip interference and FPGA processing.

## Key findings

- Achieved 8 Gbps data rate for quantum random numbers.
- Random numbers passed all NIST test suite criteria.
- Demonstrated on-chip integration suitable for quantum cryptography.

## Abstract

We demonstrate on-chip quantum random number generation at high data rates using the random phases of gain-switched laser pulses. Interference of the gain-switched pulses produced by two independent semiconductor lasers is performed on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and the resulting pulse train is received and processed in real-time using homebuilt capture electronics consisting a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a 10-bit digitizer. Random numbers with low correlation coefficient are shown for pulse clock rates of 1 GHz and data rates of 8 Gbps. The random numbers are also shown to successfully pass all tests within the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) test suite. The system provides genuine random numbers in a compact platform that can be readily integrated into existing quantum cryptographic technology.