Certified quantum random number generator based on single-photon entanglement

TL;DR

This paper presents a practical, high-security quantum random number generator using single-photon entanglement, employing simple linear optics and semi-device-independent modeling to certify entropy and improve generation rates.

Contribution

It introduces a novel certified quantum random number generator based on single-photon entanglement with a simple setup and semi-device-independent certification method.

Findings

Minimum entropy certified at 2.5%, rate 4.4 kHz

Enhanced entropy certification to 30.1%, rate 52.7 kHz

Uses simple linear optical components and imperfect devices

Abstract

Quantum entanglement represents an ideal resource to guarantee the security of random numbers employed in many scientific and cryptographic applications. However, entanglement-based certified random number generators are particularly challenging to implement. Here, we demonstrate a new certified quantum random number generator based on momentum-polarization entangled single photon states. The use of single photon entanglement allows employing an attenuated laser source and a simple setup where only linear optical components are utilized. For the latter, a semi-device-independent modeling of the photonic quantum random number generator is developed, which certifies a minimum entropy of $(2.5\pm 0.5)\%$, corresponding to a generation rate of 4.4 kHz. At the expenses of a higher level of trust in the system, the certified minimum entropy can be increased to $(30.1 \pm0.5 )\%$, implying a generation rate of 52.7 kHz. Our results show that a simple optical implementation combined with an accurate modeling provide an entanglement-based high-security quantum random number generator using imperfect devices.