Physical random number generator based on the optical detection of magnetically induced fluid turbulence

Abstract

A physical random number generator based on the optical detection of magnetically induced fluid turbulence, comprising: a. a transparent container (10) with a volume of ferrofluid (12); b. an arrangement of at least two electromagnetic coils (20A, 20B) positioned such that they expose the ferrofluid (12) to fluctuating magnetic fields; c. a computer (70) configured to output independent, variable power signals (52A, 52B) to the electromagnet coils (20A, 20B) to induce chaotic 3D peak formations and turbulent structures (14) in the ferrofluid (12); d. an optical measuring system comprising a laser source (30) configured to emit a beam (32) through the transparent container (10) and a light sensor (40) configured to detect the fluctuations in the beam (34) caused by the turbulent structures (14); e. the method is characterized in that the computer (70) is further configured to receive an analog raw signal (42) from the light sensor (40) and digitizes and processes this signal to generate a final true random number (62) within a single hardware architecture.

Description

Technical field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cryptography and electronic security, in particular hardware-based true random number generators (TRNGs). More specifically, it relates to a device that extracts high-entropy data from the chaotic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) interactions and surface tension instabilities in a ferrofluid medium. State of the art

[0002] To achieve true randomness, physical .TRNGs (True Random Number Generators) were developed that utilize nondeterministic natural phenomena. Currently, fluid-based entropy sources are being researched to provide chaotic starting values ​​for digital systems.

[0003] A notable example is DE 103 58 392 A1, which describes a "random number generator using boiling liquids". This system uses a heating element to bring a transparent liquid to a boil; a light source illuminates the resulting bubbles, and a phototransistor detects the fluctuations in light intensity caused by the chaotic movement of the boiling medium.

[0004] However, solutions like those described in DE 103 58 392 A1 have inherent weaknesses. Thermal systems suffer from high thermal inertia, resulting in slow response times and limited entropy bit rates. Furthermore, physical motion is driven by convection, which is difficult to modulate precisely and often requires significant energy expenditure to maintain the boiling state. This makes such devices bulky and less suitable for integration into fast, compact electronic architectures. Technical Problem and Solution

[0005] The technical problem underlying the present application model is to provide a high-entropy physical source that offers a faster response time, higher bandwidth and a more compact design than conventional convection-based fluid systems.

[0006] This problem is solved in the present application model by replacing thermal induction with magnetic induction in a ferrofluid medium. By applying fluctuating magnetic fields to the ferrofluid, the system induces Rosensweig instabilities—complex three-dimensional deflections that form and collapse at velocities far above the boiling point. This chaotic turbulence is detected by means of a laser sensor path, and the high-frequency physical behavior is converted into a robust digital stream of truly random bits. Exemplary embodiment of the invention

[0007] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the utility model consists of a transparent container (10) containing a specific volume of ferrofluid (12). The container (10) is located between an upper electromagnetic coil (20A) and a lower electromagnetic coil (20B).

[0008] A computer (70) serves as the central control and processing unit. The computer (70) outputs independent, variable power signals (52A, 52B) to the electromagnets. These signals are selectively disrupted or derived from an internal noise source to ensure non-uniform and non-periodic magnetic fields. The interaction between the fluctuating magnetic attraction and the surface tension of the ferrofluid (12) leads to the formation of dynamic, chaotic 3D peaks and turbulent structures (14) in the container.

[0009] The optical measuring system consists of a laser source (30) and a light sensor (40). The laser source (30) emits a collimated beam (32) that penetrates the container (10). As the dynamic spikes (14) move, they refract, scatter, and deflect the laser beam (34) in an unpredictable pattern.

[0010] The light sensor (40) detects these fluctuations and sends a raw analog signal (42) directly to the computer (70). The computer (70) is configured to perform data acquisition, digital conversion, and post-processing in a single hardware architecture. This integrated processing generates the final true random signal (62). The entire system, except for the computer (70), is housed in a robust enclosure (60) for the random number generator to prevent interference from external light. Advantages of the invention

[0011] The utility model offers several significant advantages over known systems using boiling liquid: 1..Magnetic fields can be modulated at high frequencies, enabling fast liquid transitions and a higher entropy bit rate than with thermal convection. 2. Unlike boiling systems, this device does not require constant heating, thus reducing energy consumption and thermal wear. 3. The interaction of magnetic force and surface tension creates complex 3D structures that are mathematically more difficult to model or predict than simple boiling bubbles. 4. By using small electromagnetic coils, the entire unit can be scaled for use in hardware security modules (HSMs) or server components. Quotes 1 DE 103 58 392 A1, Random number generator with boiling liquids, published on 14 July 2005 List of reference symbols 10 Transparent Containers 12 Ferrofluid 14 Dynamic, chaotic 3D peaks and turbulent structures 20A Upper Electromagnetic Coil 20B Lower Electromagnetic Coil 30 Laser source 32 Collimated laser beam 34 Deflected / scattered laser beam 40 light sensor 42 Raw analog signal 52A power signal for the upper electromagnet 52B Power signal for the lower electromagnet 60 Rigid housing of the device 62 Final, genuine random edition 70 computers (central control and processing unit). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 103 58 392 A1 [0003, 0004, 0011]

Claims

A physical random number generator based on the optical detection of magnetically induced fluid turbulence, comprising: a. a transparent container (10) with a volume of ferrofluid (12); b. an arrangement of at least two electromagnetic coils (20A, 20B) positioned to expose the ferrofluid (12) to fluctuating magnetic fields; c. a computer (70) configured to output independent, variable power signals (52A, 52B) to the electromagnetic coils (20A, 20B) to induce chaotic 3D peak formations and turbulent structures (14) in the ferrofluid (12); d. an optical measuring system comprising a laser source (30) configured to emit a beam (32) through the transparent container (10) and a light sensor (40) configured to detect the fluctuations in the beam (34) caused by the turbulent structures (14); e.The method is characterized in that the computer (70) is further configured to receive an analog raw signal (42) from the light sensor (40) and digitizes and processes it to generate a final true random number (62) within a single hardware architecture. The physical random number generator according to claim 1 is characterized in that the electromagnetic coils comprise an upper electromagnetic coil (20A) and a lower electromagnetic coil (20B) located on opposite sides of the housing (10). The physical random number generator according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that the varying power signals (52A, 52B) originate from an internal noise source within the computer (70) to ensure uneven and non-periodic magnetic fields. The physical random number generator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transparent container (10), the ferrofluid (12), the electromagnetic coils (20A, 20B), the laser source (30) and the light sensor (40) are housed in a rigid housing (60) designed to exclude interference from external light. The physical random number generator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the turbulent structures (14) induced in the ferrofluid (12) comprise Rosensweig instabilities that form and collapse at high frequencies.

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