Fully Integrated Vacuum-based Quantum Random Number Generator

TL;DR

This paper presents a compact, integrated quantum random number generator on a chip that combines silicon and III-V photonic platforms, achieving high-speed, cost-effective true randomness suitable for commercial use.

Contribution

It introduces a fully integrated, miniaturized quantum entropy source combining different photonic platforms with high bandwidth and low coupling loss, advancing practical quantum RNG deployment.

Findings

Achieved a random number generation rate of 6.57 Gbps.

Developed a compact 42mm*24mm device with low coupling loss.

Demonstrated a feasible integration method for quantum photonics.

Abstract

Quantum random number generators play a crucial role in securing high-demand information contexts by producing true random numbers. Nevertheless, the large volume and high-cost limit their widespread use. Here, we propose a system on chip that fully leverages the advantages of different photonic integrated platforms, where the interference optical paths and photodiodes are integrated on a standard silicon process, while the laser source on-chip is realized on a III-V platform. Using micro-lens coupling package technology, which contributes to a topnotch coupling loss lower than 2dB, the components on different platforms are combined and packaged with the amplifier circuits in a 42mm* 24mm footprint in a butterfly form. This complete miniaturized and cost-effective entropy source enables outputting a vacuum noise signal with a 3dB bandwidth of over 500MHz. After sampling and post-processing, a random number generation rate of up to 6.57Gbps is achieved. The results show a feasible way of overcoming the laser integration problem with silicon-based integrated quantum photonics. Foreseeable, commercial applications on a large scale are significantly promoted.