Self-testing randomness from a nuclear spin system

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a proof-of-concept quantum random number generator using a nuclear spin system, leveraging high-fidelity operations and device-independent entropy certification protocols to generate true randomness.

Contribution

First implementation of a quantum random number generator based on a nuclear spin system with high-fidelity state preparation and measurement.

Findings

Successfully generated true randomness from a nuclear spin system.

Used dimension witness protocols for device-independent entropy certification.

Achieved high-fidelity quantum operations in the system.

Abstract

Randomness is a very important resource for cryptography, algorithms, and scientific simulations. Since all classical processes are considered to be intrinsically deterministic, we must build quantum random number generators which utilize quantum processes to generate true randomness. Quantum random number generators have been realized in different quantum systems, including quantum optical systems, and trapped ions. Here we present a proof-of-concept random number generator based on a nuclear spin system for the first time. The state preparation and measurements are performed with high-fidelity operations in our system. The entropy of randomness in the experimental data is quantified by two dimension witness certification protocols, which require no detailed models to describe the experimental devices but only some general assumptions, such as the limited dimensionality and the independence of the experimental devices.