NANOSYSTEMS: PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, MATHEMATICS, 2017, 8 (2), P. 239–242
Quantum random number generator based on homodyne detection
A. E. Ivanova – ITMO University, Kronverkskiy, 49, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia; newiva@mail.ru
S. A. Chivilikhin – ITMO University, Kronverkskiy, 49, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia; sergey.chivilikhin@gmail.com
A.V. Gleim – ITMO University, Kronverkskiy, 49, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia; aglejm@yandex.ru
A quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the quantum nature of vacuum fluctuations allows one to obtain random bit sequences that can be used in applications that require a high degree of randomness. In that type of quantum random generation system, optical beam splitters with two inputs and two outputs are normally used. A comparison of Y-splitter and spatial beam splitters shows that for two types of optical splitters, the quantum mathematical description of output signals is identical. This allows the use of fiber Y-splitters in practical QRNG schemes. The possibility of generating true random bits was demonstrated experimentally by using quantum random number generator based on homodyne detection.
Keywords: quantum random number generation, beam splitter, Y-splitter, vacuum fluctuations.
PACS 03.67.-a
DOI 10.17586/2220-8054-2017-8-2-239-242