Holographically-controlled random numbers from entangled twisted photons

TL;DR

This paper introduces a holographically-controlled quantum random number generator using entangled twisted photons, enabling tailored probability distributions and high entropy generation through digital holograms and projective measurements.

Contribution

It presents a novel QRNG method combining digital holography and entangled photon states to produce customizable, high-quality quantum randomness without bias correction.

Findings

Achieved a min-entropy of 0.9991 bits per photon.

Passed the NIST statistical test suite.

Enabled generation of multiple random bits per photon.

Abstract

We present a quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the random outcomes inherent in projective measurements on a superposition of quantum states of light. Firstly, we use multiplexed holograms encoded on a spatial light modulator to spatially map down-converted photons onto a superposition of optical paths. This gives us full digital control of the mapping process which we can tailor to achieve any desired probability distribution. More importantly, we use this method to account for any bias present within our transmission and detection system, forgoing the need for time-consuming and inefficient unbiasing algorithms. Our QRNG achieved a min-entropy of $\text{H}_{\text{min}}=0.9991\pm0.0003$ bits per photon and passed the NIST statistical test suite. Furthermore, we extend our approach to realise a QRNG based on photons entangled in their orbital angular momentum (OAM) degree of freedom. This combination of digital holograms and projective measurements on arbitrary OAM combinations allowed us to generate random numbers with arbitrary distributions, in effect tailoring the system's entropy while maintaining the inherent quantum irreproducibility. Such techniques allow access to the higher-dimensional OAM Hilbert space, opening up an avenue for generating multiple random bits per photon.