Researchers at Linköping University, including Guilherme B Xavier and Feng Gao, have developed a new type of Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for encryption. This QRNG uses light-emitting diodes made from perovskite, a crystal-like material, making it potentially cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
The QRNG provides high levels of randomness and security, making it difficult for hackers to eavesdrop. The team aims to further develop the material to make it lead-free and extend its lifetime, with hopes of it being used in cybersecurity within five years. The research was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the European Research Council.
The Importance of Cybersecurity and Encryption
In our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is paramount. It is not only crucial for individual protection but also for safeguarding national infrastructure and banking systems. The primary method of protecting information is through encryption, which is used when we send emails, pay bills, and shop online.
Encryption relies on a random number generator, which can be a computer programme or the hardware itself. This generator provides keys that are used to both encrypt and unlock the information at the receiving end. Different types of random number generators offer varying levels of randomness and thus security. Hardware is generally the safer option as randomness is controlled by physical processes.
Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG)
The hardware method that provides the best randomness is based on quantum phenomena, known as the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). In cryptography, it’s crucial that the numbers are random and that only the intended recipient knows about them. With QRNGs, a large amount of the generated bits is private and thus completely secure. According to quantum physics laws, it should be impossible to eavesdrop without the recipient finding out.
A research group at Linköping University, in collaboration with researchers at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), has developed a new type of QRNG. This QRNG can be used for encryption, but also for betting and computer simulations. The unique feature of this QRNG is the use of light emitting diodes made from the crystal-like material perovskite.
Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes
The random number generator developed by the researchers is among the best produced and compares well with similar products. Thanks to the properties of perovskites, it has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have the potential to revolutionise optical instruments. Traditional lasers can be used for QRNG, but they are expensive. If the technology is to find its way into consumer electronics, it’s important that the cost is kept down and that the production is as environmentally friendly as possible. Additionally, PeLEDs don’t require as much energy to run.
Future Developments and Applications
The next step for the researchers is to develop the material further to make the perovskite lead-free and to extend its lifetime, which is currently 22 days. According to Guilherme B Xavier, a researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Linköping University, their new QRNG could be used in cybersecurity within five years.
There is an advantage if electronic components used for sensitive data are manufactured locally. If you buy a complete randomness generator kit from another country, you can’t be sure that it’s not being monitored. The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology, and the European Research Council.
The Research and Publication
The research was published in Communications Physics volume 6, under the title “Quantum random number generation based on a perovskite light emitting diode”. The authors of the study are Joakim Argillander, Alvaro Alarcón, Chunxiong Bao, Chaoyang Kuang, Gustavo Lima, Feng Gao, and Guilherme B. Xavier. The researchers behind the quantum random number generator are Feng Gao, Guilherme B Xavier, Joakim Argillander, and Alvaro Alarcón.
“In cryptography, it’s not only important that the numbers are random, but that you’re the only one who knows about them. With QRNG’s, we can certify that a large amount of the generated bits is private and thus completely secure. And if the laws of quantum physics are true, it should be impossible to eavesdrop without the recipient finding out,” says Guilherme B Xavier, researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Linköping University.
“It’s possible to use, for example, a traditional laser for QRNG, but it’s expensive. If the technology is eventually to find its way into consumer electronics, it’s important that the cost is kept down and that the production is as environmentally friendly as possible. In addition, PeLEDs don’t require as much energy to run,” says Feng Gao, professor at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
“It’s an advantage if electronic components that are to be used for sensitive data are manufactured in Sweden. If you buy a complete randomness generator kit from another country, you can’t be sure that it’s not being monitored.”
Guilherme B Xavier.
Summary
“Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new type of Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for encryption, using light emitting diodes made from the crystal-like material perovskite, which could potentially be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. This QRNG, which offers a high level of security by generating random numbers that are private and thus completely secure, could be available for use in cybersecurity within five years.”
- Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly crucial in our interconnected world, with encryption being the primary method of protecting information.
- A team of researchers at Linköping University, including Guilherme B Xavier and Feng Gao, have developed a new type of Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for encryption.
- QRNGs provide the highest level of randomness and security, making it impossible to eavesdrop without detection.
- The team’s QRNG uses light emitting diodes made from perovskite, a crystal-like material. This makes it potentially cheaper and more environmentally friendly than other QRNGs.
- Perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) require less energy to run, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for QRNGs.
- The team aims to further develop the material to make it lead-free and extend its lifetime, which is currently 22 days.
- The new QRNG could be available for use in cybersecurity within five years.
- The research was funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the European Research Council.