Quantum random number generation device and method based on light source

Abstract

The invention provides a quantum random number generation device based on a light source, and the device comprises the light source which comprises a plurality of light source assemblies; the photoelectric detector comprises a plurality of photoelectric detection elements which are arranged at the rear end of the light source; the photoelectric detector is configured to convert optical signals into electric signals; the input end of the comparator is connected with the output end of the photoelectric detector; the input end of the amplifier is connected with the output end of the comparator; the input end of the digital-to-analog converter is connected with the output end of the amplifier, and the digital-to-analog converter is configured to convert the electric signal into a digital signal; the time signal generator is connected with the light source and the digital-to-analog converter; the time signal generator is configured to control light emitting time of the light source. According to the scheme, by designing a comparison structure and an amplification circuit of the quantum entropy source, uniformly distributed quantum random numbers can be directly generated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of random number generation, and particularly to a quantum random number generation device based on a light source. Background Art

[0002] Quantum random number generators based on the principles of quantum optics are favored due to their simple structures. Their basic structures mainly consist of light sources and detectors. However, currently, the measurement results of most physical parameters satisfy the normal distribution or Poisson distribution.

[0003] (1) Generate random numbers by measuring the statistical distribution of photon numbers. For example, measure the number of photons generated by an LED light source within a fixed time. For an exponential time random variable, the number of photons arriving within a fixed time T will follow a Poisson distribution. Therefore, the probability of finding n photons within time T is. Generate random numbers by measuring the photon count within a fixed time interval using a single-photon level counter.

[0004] (2) Generate random numbers by measuring the vacuum fluctuations of the optical field. Homodyne detection provides a simple method to measure the quadrature of the vacuum field. Combine the vacuum state and a reference laser on a beam splitter, and the output light is detected by a differential detector. The output is proportional to the quadrature amplitude of the vacuum field and can be used to generate random numbers. This scheme has certain requirements for the detector sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the circuit board.

[0005] (3) Generate random numbers by path splitting. A single photon emitted by a light source hits a balanced beam splitter, and at this time, the photon is in a superposition state of two paths, and the probability of detection collapsing to any one path is the same. Record the response event of detector D0 as 0 and the response event of detector D1 as 1, which can be used to generate random numbers. Although this method can generate uniformly distributed random numbers, it is difficult to achieve a high rate due to the dead time of the single-photon detector, and it has high requirements for the detector sensitivity.

[0006] However, most random number applications require the generation of uniformly distributed random numbers. This requires post-processing of the data. For example, the Toeplitz hashing algorithm converts the Poisson distribution into a uniform distribution. In scenarios where there are requirements for the random number rate, this conversion program consumes a large amount of computing resources. Using hardware for conversion (FPGA chips) will also significantly increase the cost of the random number generation device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, it is possible to directly and rapidly generate uniformly distributed random numbers, thereby avoiding the computational consumption and rate limitations brought about by post-processing.

[0008] In a first aspect of this application, there is provided a quantum random number generation device based on a light source, including:

[0009] A light source, including multiple light source components;

[0010] A photodetector, including multiple photoelectric detection elements, which are arranged at the rear end of the light source; the photodetector is configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0011] A comparator, with the input end of the comparator connected to the output end of the photodetector;

[0012] An amplifier, with the input end of the amplifier connected to the output end of the comparator;

[0013] A digital-to-analog converter, with the input end of the digital-to-analog converter connected to the output end of the amplifier, and configured to convert an electrical signal into a digital signal;

[0014] A time signal generator, which is connected to the light source and the digital-to-analog converter; the time signal generator is configured to control the light-emitting time of the light source.

[0015] Through the above technical solutions, random numbers with a uniform distribution of 0 and 1 can be directly generated, avoiding the computational requirements for post-processing. Preferably, multiple light sources are connected in parallel, and photodetectors are respectively arranged at the rear ends of the multiple light sources; the light source includes: semiconductor laser light sources, light-emitting diodes, and single-photon light sources.

[0016] Preferably, the photodetector includes: photodiodes, phototransistors, photomultiplier tubes, and photoelectric avalanche tubes.

[0017] Preferably, the amplifier is an oversaturated operational amplifier.

[0018] Preferably, the comparator includes: a subtractor and a unidirectional diode, with the output end of the subtractor connected to the positive pole of the unidirectional diode; and the negative pole of the unidirectional diode is connected to the input end of the amplifier, converting the negative current part in the adjusted electrical signal into a low level and sending the converted electrical signal to the amplifier.

[0019] In the second aspect of this application, a quantum random number generation method based on a light source is proposed. The method includes:

[0020] Emitting optical signals to multiple groups of light source detectors through multiple groups of light sources respectively;

[0021] Adjusting the coupling between the light source and the light source detector so that the average values of multiple groups of electrical signals are the same, and sending the adjusted electrical signals to the unidirectional diode;

[0022] Converting the negative current part in the adjusted electrical signal into a low level through the unidirectional diode, and sending the converted electrical signal to the amplifier;

[0023] Amplifying the converted electrical signal to a threshold value through the amplifier, and sending the processed electrical signal to the digital-to-analog converter;

[0024] A time signal generator is used to generate a clock signal to control the time when the light source emits an optical signal and the time when the digital-to-analog converter outputs quantum random numbers.

[0025] Preferably, the processed electrical signal is a high-low level signal.

[0026] Through the above technical solution, the clock signal connected to the flip-flop is synchronized with the clock signals connected to the two LEDs. When there is a falling edge of the clock signal or no clock signal, the output will not change. It will retain its previous output value. The output will change at the rising edge of the clock. If the input is high level, the output is also high level. If the input is low level, the output will become low level. At this time, the high and low levels of the output can be directly used to generate 0 and 1 random numbers. Description of the Drawings

[0027] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated into and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present application. Other embodiments and many of the expected advantages of the embodiments will be readily recognized, as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale with each other. The same reference numerals refer to corresponding similar components.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a quantum random number generation method based on a light source according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] The meanings of the numbers in the figure: 1a, LED light source; 1b, LED light source; 2a, PD photodiode; 2b, PD photodiode; 3, subtractor; 4, unidirectional diode; 5, oversaturated operational amplifier; 6, flip-flop; Detailed Embodiments

[0032] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description and illustrate illustrative specific embodiments in which the present application can be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. are used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Since the components of the embodiments can be positioned in several different orientations, the directional terms are used for the purpose of illustration and are in no way limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims.

[0033] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, a quantum random number generation device based on a light source, comprising:

[0034] A light source, comprising a plurality of light source components;

[0035] A photodetector, comprising a plurality of photodetection elements, the plurality of photodetection elements being disposed at the rear end of the light source; the photodetector is configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0036] A comparator, the input end of the subtractor being connected to the output end of the photodetector;

[0037] An amplifier, the input end of the amplifier being connected to the output end of the comparator;

[0038] A digital-to-analog converter, the input end of the digital-to-analog converter being connected to the output end of the amplifier, configured to convert an electrical signal into a digital signal;

[0039] A time signal generator, the time signal generator being connected to the light source and the digital-to-analog converter; the time signal generator is configured to control the light emission time of the light source.

[0040] Wherein the plurality of light sources are connected in parallel, and photodetectors are respectively disposed at the rear ends of the plurality of light sources; the light source includes: a semiconductor laser light source, a light-emitting diode, and a single-photon light source; the photodetector can be a photosensitive diode, a photosensitive triode, a photomultiplier tube, a photoelectric avalanche tube, etc., wherein the sampling rate mainly depends on the bandwidth of the photodetector; the amplifier is an oversaturated operational amplifier, and a resistor is connected in parallel with the amplifier.

[0041] In addition, the comparator of the device includes: a subtractor and a unidirectional diode, the output end of the subtractor being connected to the positive electrode of the unidirectional diode; and the negative electrode of the unidirectional diode being connected to the input end of the amplifier.

[0042] Figure 2The figure shows the structure diagram of a quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to a specific embodiment of the present application. The present application proposes a quantum random number generation device based on a light source, as Figure 2 shown, the device includes:

[0043] A light source, including a plurality of light source components;

[0044] Photoelectric detectors (2a, 2b), including a plurality of photoelectric detection elements, and the plurality of photoelectric detection elements are arranged at the rear end of the light source;

[0045] A subtractor 3, arranged at the rear end of the photoelectric detector and connected to the photoelectric detector;

[0046] A unidirectional diode 4, arranged at the rear end of the subtractor 3 and connected to the subtractor 3; an operational amplifier 5, arranged at the rear end of the unidirectional diode 4 and connected to the unidirectional diode 4; thus, the unidirectional diode 4 converts the negative current into a low level, and the operational amplifier 5 amplifies the positive current to a high level.

[0047] A trigger 6, arranged at the rear end of the operational amplifier 5 and connected to the operational amplifier 5 to generate a quantum random number sequence according to the input signal.

[0048] Specifically, the light source is an LED light source (1b, 1a). When an appropriate voltage is applied to the LED, photons will be emitted. Therefore, the emission time of the LED can be controlled by pulses. The photoelectric detectors (2a, 2b) photon detector (PD) are aligned with the light emitting surface of the LED to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal. Its output electrical signal is proportional to the received light intensity. The sampling rate mainly depends on the bandwidth of the photoelectric detector. The LED light source (1b, 1a) is mainly composed of a p-n junction. As shown in the three-layer structure in the figure, the upper layer is the n region with negative electrons, the lower layer is the p region with positive electrons (holes), and the middle layer is the active region. After applying voltage, the holes in the p region and the electrons in the n region randomly combine in the middle region and emit photons. This random process is the main source of generating random numbers, and the randomness is guaranteed by quantum mechanics.

[0049] Generate Figure 3 The figure shows the flowchart of a quantum random number generation method based on a light source according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, a quantum random number generation method based on a light source, the method includes:

[0050] Emitting optical signals to multiple groups of light source detectors through multiple groups of light sources respectively;

[0051] Adjusting the coupling between the light source and the light source detector so that the average values of multiple groups of electrical signals are the same, and sending the adjusted electrical signals to the unidirectional diode;

[0052] Filter out the negative current part in the adjusted electrical signal through a unidirectional diode, and send the electrical signal with the negative current part filtered out to an amplifier;

[0053] Amplify the electrical signal with the negative current part filtered out to a threshold value through an amplifier, and send the processed electrical signal to a digital-to-analog converter;

[0054] Process the processed electrical signal through a digital-to-analog converter to generate quantum random numbers;

[0055] Generate a clock signal through a time signal generator to control the time when the light source emits an optical signal and the time when the digital-to-analog converter outputs quantum random numbers.

[0056] Further combined with Figure 2 The device shown in. Specifically, the steps for the device to generate random numbers include: In the first step, two groups of LED-PD structures are connected in parallel, and the generated electrical signals are subjected to a subtraction operation and then output. By adjusting the coupling between the LED and the PD, the average values of the two groups of voltage signals are made the same, that is, the average voltage after subtraction is zero. In the second step, the output signal is filtered through a unidirectional diode 4 to remove the negative current part. In the third step, it passes through an oversaturated operational amplifier 5, where a relatively large resistor R is set to amplify the positive voltage signal to the threshold value. Finally, the output signal of the operational amplifier 5 is connected to a flip-flop 6. The clock signal connected to the flip-flop 6 is synchronized with the clock signals connected to the two LEDs. When there is no clock signal or at the falling edge of the clock signal, the output will not change. It will retain its previous output value. At the rising edge of the clock, the output will change. If the input is high level, the output will also be high level. If the input is low level, the output will become low level. At this time, the high and low levels of the output can be directly used to generate 0 and 1 random numbers.

[0057] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. In this way, if these modifications and changes are within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent forms, the present application also aims to cover these modifications and changes. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps not listed in the claims. The simple fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain benefits. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A quantum random number generation device based on a light source, characterized in that The quantum random number generation device includes: A light source, including multiple light source components; A photodetector, including multiple photodetection elements, which are arranged at the rear end of the light source; the photodetector is configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal; A comparator, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the photodetector; An amplifier, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the comparator; A digital-to-analog converter, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the amplifier, and is configured to convert an electrical signal into a digital signal; A time signal generator, which is connected to the light source and the digital-to-analog converter; the time signal generator is configured to control the light emission time of the light source.

2. The quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple of the light sources are connected in parallel, and photodetectors are respectively arranged at the rear ends of the multiple light sources; the light source includes: a semiconductor laser light source, a light-emitting diode, and a single-photon light source.

3. A quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photodetector includes: a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photomultiplier tube, and an avalanche photodiode.

4. A quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplifier is an oversaturated operational amplifier.

5. A quantum random number generation device based on a light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The comparator includes: A subtractor and a unidirectional diode, the output end of the subtractor is connected to the positive pole of the unidirectional diode; and the negative pole of the unidirectional diode is connected to the input end of the amplifier.

6. A method for generating quantum random numbers based on a light source, the method including: Emitting optical signals to multiple groups of light source detectors through multiple groups of light sources respectively; Adjusting the coupling between the light source and the light source detector so that the average values of multiple groups of electrical signals are the same, and sending the adjusted electrical signals to the unidirectional diode; Converting the negative current part in the adjusted electrical signals into a low level through the unidirectional diode, and sending the converted electrical signals to the amplifier; Amplifying the converted electrical signals to a threshold value through the amplifier, and sending the processed electrical signals to the digital-to-analog converter; Generating a clock signal through the time signal generator to control the time for the light source to emit optical signals and the time for the digital-to-analog converter to output quantum random numbers. Processing the processed electrical signals through the digital-to-analog converter to generate quantum random numbers.

7. A quantum random number generation method based on a light source according to claim 6, characterized in that The processed electrical signals are high and low level signals.

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