33 Gbit/s Quantum Random Number Generator Achieves SDI Security with 3.2 GS/s FPGA Extraction

Quantum random number generators offer fundamentally secure alternatives to the pseudorandom numbers used in many digital applications, and a team led by Marius Cizauskas from Technische Universität Dortmund, Hamid Tebyanian from Queen Mary University of London, and Mark Fox from University of Sheffield now demonstrates a particularly high-performance device. Their research presents a continuous-variable quantum random number generator capable of achieving a sustained generation rate of 33 Gbit/s, a significant leap forward in the field. The system operates using a source-device-independent security model, meaning its randomness stems from the inherent uncertainty of measurement rather than relying on assumptions about the quantum source itself, and crucially maintains security even if an attacker controls the source. By employing heterodyne detection and real-time processing with an integrated FPGA, the team achieves a compact and practical platform suitable for demanding applications such as secure communication and cryptography.

The generator achieves source-device independence, meaning its security does not rely on the specific characteristics of the quantum source or the detection device. This is accomplished through the use of heterodyne detection, a technique that measures the quantum state of light by mixing it with a local oscillator. The system incorporates real-time extraction of random numbers using a field-programmable gate array, enabling high-speed processing and minimising potential vulnerabilities. This approach ensures a truly random output, crucial for cryptographic applications and scientific simulations.

The team presents a high-speed continuous-variable quantum random number generator based on heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. The scheme follows a source-device-independent security model, where entropy originates from quantum measurement uncertainty and does not require knowledge of the source. Security depends only on the trusted measurement device and calibrated discretization, remaining valid even with adversarial state preparation. An optical field is split and measured by balanced photodiodes to obtain both quadratures of the vacuum state simultaneously.

Raw data undergoes post-processing to extract the final random bits, ensuring randomness and eliminating bias. This approach guarantees a high degree of security and reliability in random number generation.

Gigabit Random Numbers from Vacuum Fluctuations

This research details the development and analysis of a high-speed Quantum Random Number Generator. The system is based on continuous-variable QRNG technology, utilizing heterodyne detection of vacuum fluctuations. A key innovation is achieving gigabit-per-second random number generation with a relatively simple and practical setup. The paper emphasizes security analysis, addressing potential vulnerabilities and demonstrating the feasibility of a high-throughput QRNG using readily available components.

Quantum Random Number Generation leverages the inherent randomness of quantum mechanics to produce truly unpredictable numbers, crucial for cryptography and simulations. This continuous-variable QRNG uses continuous quantum properties, like the amplitude and phase of light, rather than discrete quantum states. Heterodyne detection measures the amplitude and phase of an optical signal, detecting vacuum fluctuations, the quantum noise existing even in empty space. These fluctuations are a source of true randomness.

Source-device independence is a crucial security feature, meaning the QRNG’s security doesn’t rely on trusting the source of the quantum signal or the detection device. This protects against attacks that might compromise randomness. Leftover hashing extracts highly random bits from a larger, potentially imperfect source of randomness. The QRNG is designed to generate random numbers at Gbps rates, making it suitable for demanding applications.

The primary achievement is a QRNG capable of generating random numbers at Gbps rates. The design uses commonly available components, making it more accessible and cost-effective than some other QRNG approaches. The paper provides a thorough analysis of potential security vulnerabilities, including analog-to-digital converter clipping, inter-quadrature correlation, time autocorrelation, and device imperfections. The design is specifically engineered to be secure even if the source of the vacuum fluctuations or the detection device is compromised. The QRNG features a PCIe interface for high-speed data transfer to other systems.

Potential applications include secure key generation for encryption, secure communications, scientific simulations, gaming, lotteries, financial modeling, and high-frequency trading. The research presents a significant advancement in QRNG technology, offering a practical, high-speed, and secure solution for generating truly random numbers. It addresses many challenges associated with building and deploying QRNGs, making it a valuable contribution to quantum cryptography and secure communications.

High-Speed Quantum Randomness From Vacuum Fluctuations

This research demonstrates a high-speed quantum random number generator based on measuring the inherent uncertainty in vacuum fluctuations of light. The system utilizes a heterodyne detection scheme and advanced signal processing implemented on a field-programmable gate array, achieving a sustained random number generation rate of 33. 92 Gbit/s while adhering to stringent security bounds. Importantly, the design operates independently of the characteristics of the light source itself, enhancing security against potential adversarial control or drift in source properties.

The team verified the dominance of quantum noise over classical noise within the system and confirmed the randomness of the generated numbers through rigorous statistical testing, including tests based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Dieharder suite. Analysis indicates that the performance is primarily limited by the resolution of the analog-to-digital converter, suggesting that even higher generation rates are achievable with improved components. The researchers also explored potential security vulnerabilities, such as signal clipping and correlations, finding them to be insignificant within the current system.

Future work could focus on integrating higher-resolution converters to further increase the random number generation rate. The developed QRNG, with its compact design and high-speed PCIe interface, offers a practical solution for applications requiring secure and unpredictable random numbers, such as cryptography and secure key distribution systems.