All Optical Random Bit Generator

Stanford Reference:

11-487

Abstract

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-speed, all-optical random number generator based on quantum randomness. This novel random number generator uses a twin degenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO) that comprises two identical OPOs, each of which can stably oscillate in one of the two possible phase states. An unequal arm interferometer can then analyze the relative phase states of the two OPOs; the optical beam at the output randomly toggles between two intensity levels with a well-defined clock signal; with absolutely no post-processing, this device is capable of generating quantum random numbers. A sequence of 1-billion bits obtained by this method successfully passed standard statistical randomness tests, yielding a 0.5000 probability for either pulse state. Existing software-based random number generators are only pseudo-random (they depend on a breakable security key) and are thus susceptible to attacks; this quantum random number generator, which has the capability of running continuously for several days, is not vulnerable to the aforementioned attacks. This true random number generator can be easily integrated and miniaturized, making it desirable for applications ranging from cryptography to computer simulations.

Applications

Cryptography
Computer simulations
Data storage
Secure data transfer

Advantages

Fundamentally random
- Not dependant on a breakable “random seed”
- Test results have proved statistical randomness of the output
- Random numbers generated through quantum noise
  - Minimal influence from other noise sources (i.e. thermal, mechanical, etc)
- None of the design parameters favors oscillation in one or another
Not vulnerable to attacks
- True quantum random number generation guarantees immunity to attacks
Absolutely no post-processing
- Unlike other physical random number generators, no need for electronic or computer post-processing
Robust and reliable
- Capable of running continuously for several days
Easy to integrate
- Compatible with commercially available fiber lasers
- Integration and Miniaturization for increased applicability
  - Optical parametric oscillators can be reduced to Sub-millimeter size
  - Can be implemented on a chip
Fast
- Speed is not fundamentally limited
- Allows for bit-rates as high as in the Mbps range, while smaller OPOs can allow bit-rates in the Gbps range
All-optical Quantum System
- Photons are more easily handled than atoms
  - Unlike quantum electronic / atomic system, implementation doesn’t require sophisticated environment
- Unlike many quantum optical experiments, very-sensitive detection system is not required
- Photodetection is not part of the random process

Publications

Alireza Marandi, Nick C. Leindecker, Konstantin L. Vodopyanov, and Robert L. Byer, All-optical quantum random bit generation from intrinsically binary phase of parametric oscillators, Optics Express, Vol. 20, Issue 17, pp. 19322-19330 (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.20.019322
Marandi, Alireza, Nick C. Leindecker, Konstantin L. Vodopyanov, and Robert L. Byer. Twin Degenerate OPO for Quantum Random Bit Generation, Conference paper presented at Nonlinear Optics: Materials, Fundamentals and Applications (NLO), Kauai, Hawaii, July 17, 2011, OSA Technical Digest (CD) (Optical Society of America, 2011), paper NME4.

Stage of Development

The device has been created and tested successfully with excessive stability and reliability; a sequence of 1 billion bits produced statistically random results.

Continuing Research
Researchers continuing to further miniaturize and simplify the device implementation.

Innovators & Portfolio

Robert Byer more technologies from Robert Byer »
Alireza Marandi more technologies from Alireza Marandi »
Konstantin Vodopyanov more technologies from Konstantin Vodopyanov »

Patent Status

Date Released

8/15/2017 12:00

Licensing Contact

Matthew Ryan, Licensing Manager
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Related Keywords

data security PS: software: data storage PS: software: information sharing PS: communications: quantum networks PS: quantum computing PS: optics: electro-optic PS: communications: optical network & networking PS: optics: information processing PS: electronics: optoelectronic PS: quantum computing: cryptography

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