Unpredictable and uniform random number generation based on time of arrival using InGaAs detectors

Abstract

Quantum random number generators are becoming mandatory in a demanding technological world of high-performing learning algorithms and security guidelines. Our implementation, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, enables us to achieve the required randomness. We have generated high-quality quantum random numbers from a weak coherent source at the telecommunication wavelength. The entropy is based on the time of arrival of quantum states within a predefined time interval. The detection of photons by the InGaAs single-photon detectors and high-precision time measurement of 5 ps enables us to generate 16 random bits per arrival time, which is the highest reported to date. We have presented the theoretical analysis and experimental verification of the random number generation methodology. The method eliminates the requirement of any randomness extractor, thereby leveraging the principles of quantum physics to generate random numbers. The output data rate averages 2.4 Mbps. The generated raw quantum random numbers are compared with the NIST-prescribed Blum-Blum-Shub pseudo-random number generator and an in-house-built hardware random number generator from FPGA, on the ENT and NIST platform.