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Title: Quantum random number generator

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1252208

A quantum random number generator (QRNG) and a photon generator for a QRNG are provided. The photon generator may be operated in a spontaneous mode below a lasing threshold to emit photons. Photons emitted from the photon generator may have at least one random characteristic, which may be monitored by the QRNG to generate a random number. In one embodiment, the photon generator may include a photon emitter and an amplifier coupled to the photon emitter. The amplifier may enable the photon generator to be used in the QRNG without introducing significant bias in the random number and may enable multiplexing of multiple random numbers. The amplifier may also desensitize the photon generator to fluctuations in power supplied thereto while operating in the spontaneous mode. In one embodiment, the photon emitter and amplifier may be a tapered diode amplifier.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
Assignee:
UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
9,335,973
Application Number:
14/147,131
OSTI ID:
1252208
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2014 Jan 03
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (9)

Optical quantum random number generator journal March 2000
A fast and compact quantum random number generator journal April 2000
Quantum Random-number Generation and Key Sharing journal December 1994
Quantum random number generator based on photonic emission in semiconductors journal January 2007
Low-bias high-speed quantum random number generator via shaped optical pulses journal January 2010
Hardware Architecture and Cost Estimates for Breaking SHA-1 book January 2005
Random signal generator using quantum noise patent October 2013
Random Signal Generator Using Quantum Noise patent-application February 2012
Ultrafast Quantum Random Number Generation Process and System Therefore patent-application February 2013