Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Packaging Solution

Abstract

Optical devices can be configured for use in quantum random number generation. [Solution] The optical device may include a light source configured to emit a light beam, a photodetector configured to detect light, and a polarizer positioned between the light source and the photodetector, wherein the polarizer is configured to selectively pass light having a specific polarization. The optical device may include a package comprising at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer. The polarizer is configured to selectively pass a light beam when it has a polarization that matches a specific polarization. The optical device includes one or more mitigation functions for mitigating optical feedback to the light source. The optical device is configured for use in facilitating or enabling quantum random number generation (QRNG) based on the detection of a light beam by the photodetector.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] ,

[0004] , [Figure 3] , ,

[0006] , , , , , , ,

[0007] , , , , [Figure 2] , , [Figure 1] ,

[0003] ,<​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 4]

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Figure 5]

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Figure 6]

[0010] Figure 6 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Figure 7]

[0011] Figure 7 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Figure 8]

[0012] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a stacking vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Figure 9]

[0013] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary package incorporating a stacking vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006]

[0014] This disclosure relates to optical device-related solutions. In particular, implementations based on this disclosure relate to creating low-cost packages of quantum random number generation-based systems or devices. In this regard, random number generation is the process by which one or more (e.g., a series of) digits are generated in a manner in which these digits are not reasonably predictable, at least in a manner in which they are not as predictable as if they were randomly generated. Random number generation is typically performed using a random number generator (RNG). In this regard, a random number generator can be a hardware-based component on which random number generation can or may be performed based on and / or as a function of the current value of some attribute (e.g., a physical attribute) that is constantly changing in a manner that is substantially unmodelable. In the case of quantum random number generation, the attribute used in the random number generation process can be a quantum phenomenon associated with and / or tracked within the component. Such a component may be referred to as a quantum random number generator (QRNG).

[0007]

[0015] The solutions based on this disclosure provide low-cost quantum random number generator packages, in particular, by using a suitable emitter component in conjunction with a simple polarization-selection subcomponent. For example, in various embodiments, a low-cost quantum random number generator package may be provided by using a subcomponent based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) polarization selection. In this regard, the use of VCSELs may be advantageous due to their low cost and the inherently desirable properties of emission from VCSELs. Nevertheless, although various embodiments described herein are VCSEL-based implementations, this disclosure is not limited to the use of VCSELs, and any suitable emitter component (e.g., edge-emitting laser) may be used, as long as it can be configured to provide emission with suitable polarization properties (e.g., undistorted emission).

[0008]

[0016] As mentioned above, VCSEL-based designs can be used in many cases because they allow for the mitigation of laser feedback and / or enable as many integrations as possible. In this regard, single-mode or low-mode-number VCSELs without polarization stabilization capabilities can typically experience polarization reversal under certain driving conditions. When such VCSELs are carefully operated under pulsed conditions, the mode selection of polarization can be considered to have quantum properties. The two polarizations are typically aligned along the crystal axis of the VCSEL. The operating conditions can be carefully adjusted (e.g., via current levels) so that the polarization selection provides a 50 / 50 probability. Thus, using a polarizer set to the correct orientation and then utilizing a photodetector (e.g., a photodiode) can provide a means to provide random quantum-generated bits.

[0009]

[0017] Solutions based on this disclosure provide enhanced solutions for packaging such configurations, particularly by incorporating such configurations into surface mount technology (SMT) based packages. Various exemplary embodiments based on this disclosure may provide low-cost solutions for packaging VCSELs (or any suitable emitters), photodetectors (PDs) (e.g., photodiodes), and polarizers for use in quantum random number generator (QRNG) systems. Exemplary embodiments may also incorporate means of feedback mitigation to provide more stable operation of the VCSELs. Furthermore, some exemplary embodiments may also provide additional levels of integration, such as by using polarizers fabricated directly on the photodetectors (e.g., wire grid polarizers). Further integration may also be used in some embodiments where more electronics (e.g., additional sensor electronics such as transimpedance amplifiers, comparators, etc.) are added to the package.

[0010]

[0018] In various embodiments, the proposed configuration (combination) of VCSEL, PD, and polarizer can be incorporated into an optical coupler double-molded package. In this regard, such a package may comprise a first molded body and a second molded body, the first being a transparent molded body and the second being opaque, and the first molded body being at least partially located within and / or surrounded by the second molded body. In various embodiments, such an optical coupler double-molded package may be used with a polarizer element that can be installed within the first molded body instead of, for example, polyimide, Kapton, or insulating tape. Such a polarizer element may be a high-temperature wire grid polarizer film or a wire grid polarizer manufactured on glass. The polarizer element may be installed and / or oriented in a particular manner, for example, with respect to two polarization axes from the VCSEL, so that one polarization can pass through with the highest possible transmittance and the other polarization can be blocked.

[0011]

[0019] As mentioned above, the polarization of a VCSEL can be used to facilitate quantum random number generation. However, this quantum random number generation operation can be disrupted, for example, if there is too much laser feedback to the VCSEL resonator; therefore, reflective or partially reflective surfaces at perpendicular incidence to the VCSEL should be avoided. Accordingly, in various implementations, to mitigate the laser feedback problem, the polarizer and photodetector may be operated at an angle that can block or reduce feedback to the VCSEL.

[0012]

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and related details are illustrated in the figures and will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 1, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as "device") 100 is illustrated.

[0013]

[0022] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a VCSEL 110, a photodetector (PD) 120, a polarizer 130, a transparent molded body 140, and an opaque molded body 150.

[0014]

[0023] The VCSEL110 may comprise a semiconductor laser diode-based structure configured to provide laser beam emission perpendicularly from the top surface of a semiconductor structure. In this regard, various types of VCSELs can be used, and this disclosure is not limited to any particular type; therefore, any suitable VCSEL can be used.

[0015]

[0024] For example, the VCSEL110 may have a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) based structure, which may be configured to function as a mirror parallel to the top surface and have an active region with one or more quantum wells for laser light generation in between. One DBR structure may be located on top of the substrate layer and the heat sink layer. A planar DBR mirror may have layers of alternating high refractive index (RI) based material and low refractive index (RI) based material. The thickness of each layer may be set to obtain high reflectivity. For example, if the thickness of the material is one-quarter of the laser wavelength, a light reflectivity of more than 99% can be obtained. By using high reflectivity, the short axial length of the gain region can be balanced. In some implementations, p-type and n-type regions may be embedded between the DBR mirrors to form a diode junction. This may require a more complex semiconductor process to ensure electrical contact to the active layer / region, but it may eliminate power loss in the DBR structure. However, this disclosure is not limited to a specific VCSEL design or implementation, and any suitable design or implementation may be used.

[0016]

[0025] The photodetector (PD) 120 may comprise a suitable circuit configuration for detecting light or other electromagnetic radiation. In this regard, various mechanisms and / or techniques may be used, such as using the photoelectric effect or the photochemical effect, spectral response, etc. when providing the detection function provided by the photodetector, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type or mechanism. In an exemplary implementation, the PD 120 may comprise a photodiode.

[0017]

[0026] The polarizer 130 may comprise a suitable material for providing polarization selection to selectively pass or handle the propagation of radiant energy, particularly light (e.g., the laser emitted by the VCSEL 110), based on polarization, as described herein.

[0018]

[0027] The transparent molded body 140 may comprise a suitable transparent material that enables the propagation of radiant energy, particularly light (e.g., the laser emitted by the VCSEL 110).

[0028] The opaque molded body 150 may comprise a suitable opaque material that enables blocking the passage of radiant energy, particularly light (e.g., the laser emitted by the VCSEL 110).

[0019]

[0029] In an exemplary operation, device 100 can be used in providing and / or supporting quantum random number generation. In this regard, during such an operation, VCSEL 110 can emit light, which propagates within a cavity in device 110 filled with a transparent formed body 140, and the opaque formed body 150 prevents the emitted light from escaping the cavity. Polarization selection using the emitted light can be used in facilitating quantum random number generation. In this regard, as described above, since such polarization selection can be considered to be essentially quantum, the polarization of the laser emitted by VCSEL 110 can be used as a quantum phenomenon that drives quantum random number generation. For this purpose, polarizer 130 can be used in providing a polarization selection applied to the light emitted by VCSEL 110, and PD 120 provides a polarization selection-based response, for example, provides an indication of different quantum states in response to detecting (or not detecting) the light passing through polarizer 130.

[0020]

[0030] As described above, to further enhance performance, device 110 can incorporate a mechanism and / or function to enable relaxation of laser feedback. This can be done, for example, by configuring the polarizer 130 to be in an optimal position and / or orientation (with respect to other components, namely VCSEL 110 and PD 12). In particular, the polarizer 130 is positioned between VCSEL 110 and PD 120, oriented parallel to PD 120 and obliquely to VCSEL 110. Accordingly, PD 120 is also positioned obliquely to VCSEL 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Such a configuration enables providing polarization selection while preventing (or at least reducing) feedback to the VCSEL.

[0021]

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown in reference to FIG. 2, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as "device") 200 is illustrated.

[0022]

[0032] Device 200 may be substantially similar to device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. However, device 200 incorporates alternative designs. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 2, device 200 comprises a VCSEL 210, a photodetector (PD) 220, a polarizer 230, a transparent molded body 240, and an opaque molded body 250. Each of these components may be substantially similar to similarly named components of device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner.

[0023]

[0033] However, as shown in Figure 2, in device 200, the positions of VCSEL 210 and PD220 are swapped, with PD220 positioned on the flat bottom surface of the transparent molded body 240, and VCSEL 210 positioned diagonally to PD220 within the transparent molded body 240. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, the position and orientation of polarizer 230 are adjusted to take into account the swapping of the positions of VCSEL 210 and PD220, maintaining a position parallel to PD220.

[0024]

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 3, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "device") 300 is illustrated.

[0025]

[0035] Device 300 may be substantially similar to device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. However, device 300 incorporates alternative designs. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 3, device 300 comprises a VCSEL 310, a photodetector (PD) 320, a polarizer 330, a transparent molded body 340, and an opaque molded body 350. Each of these components may be substantially similar to similarly named components of device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner.

[0026]

[0036] However, device 300 differs in that it incorporates an integrated photodetector (PD)-based design, using a photodetector (PD) with an integrated polarizing element. In other words, in device 300, as shown in Figure 3, the polarizer element (polarizer 330) is directly integrated into the photodetector element (PD320). In this regard, as an additional step of integration, the polarizer 330 can be manufactured directly on the PD320, thus eliminating the need to place the polarizer within the first molded body (for example, during the first molding process). For example, the polarizer 330 may be manufactured at the wafer level and may be part of the photodetector manufacturing process.

[0027]

[0037] As with other devices, to mitigate feedback-related effects, the polarizer elements may be positioned and / or oriented to facilitate blocking (or at least reducing) feedback to the VCSEL. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 3, the entire integrated PD / polarizer subcomponent (i.e., PD320 and integrated polarizer 330) may be positioned obliquely to the VCSEL 310.

[0028]

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 4, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "device") 400 is illustrated.

[0029]

[0039] Device 400 may be substantially similar to device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. However, device 400 may incorporate alternative designs. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 4, device 400 comprises a VCSEL 410, a photodetector (PD) 420, a polarizer 430, a transparent molded body 440, and an opaque molded body 450. Each of these components may be substantially similar to similarly named components of device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. Furthermore, since device 400, like device 300, may utilize an integrated-based design, the polarizer 430 may be directly integrated onto the PD 420.

[0030]

[0040] However, device 400 employs a different design compared to devices 100, 200, and 300 with respect to the positioning of its main subcomponents (VCSEL, photodetector, and polarizer). In particular, rather than positioning some of the subcomponents obliquely, as was done in devices 100, 200, and 300 where the photodetector and polarizer subcomponents are oblique to the VCSEL, device 400 incorporates a design in which all three subcomponents (VCSEL 410, photodetector (PD) 420, and polarizer 430) are mounted or positioned on the same plane, in order to reduce reflection to the VCSEL (and thus block or reduce feedback effects). In this regard, device 400 may have an overmolded lead frame 460 in which the VCSEL 410 and photodetector (PD) 420 (together with the integrated polarizer 430) are mounted on the same plane, as shown in the figure.

[0031]

[0041] Furthermore, a reflective component (e.g., a mirror) 470 is used to facilitate the coupling of the light beam emitted by the VCSEL 410 in a manner that enables reliable mitigation of feedback effects. For example, the mirror 470 may be positioned obliquely so as to obliquely reflect the beam emitted by the VCSEL 410 to the photodetector (PD) 420 (together with the integrated polarizer 430), as shown in Figure 4.

[0032]

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 5, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as "device") 500 is illustrated.

[0033]

[0043] Device 500 may be substantially similar to device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. However, device 500 incorporates alternative designs. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 5, device 500 comprises a VCSEL 510, a photodetector (PD) 520, and a polarizer 530. Each of these components may be substantially similar to a similarly named component of device 100 and may operate in substantially the same manner. Furthermore, since device 500 may utilize an integration-based design similar to device 300, the polarizer 530 may be directly integrated onto the PD 520.

[0034]

[0044] However, instead of using a two-molded-based design similar to that used in devices 100, 200, 300, and 400, which comprises a first transparent molded body such as transparent molded body 140 and a second opaque molded body surrounding it such as opaque molded body 150, device 500 can instead use a simpler single overmold-based configuration (package). In this regard, such a configuration may comprise a silicon dispensing dome with a single overmold on the dome. For example, as illustrated in Figure 5, device 500 comprises a silicon dispensing dome 540 with an overmold 550 around it. The overmold 550 may comprise a highly reflective overmold compound or material, at least at its interface with the silicon dispensing dome 540, and may be applied via a single overmold step.

[0035]

[0045] A single overmolded base configuration may have different properties compared to a two-molded base configuration, which presents different challenges. For example, a single overmolded base configuration similar to that used in device 500 may have a low signal-to-noise (S / N) ratio, which can affect performance. Therefore, devices implemented based on such configurations may need to be tuned or modified to account for such issues. For example, to account for and mitigate a low signal-to-noise (S / N) ratio, the polarizer may be mounted or fabricated on top of a photodetector (e.g., a photodiode) and configured to reduce feedback to the VCSEL by utilizing the curvature of the silicon dome and the scattering of a highly reflective overmolded compound.

[0036]

[0046] Figure 6 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 6, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "device") 600 is illustrated.

[0037]

[0047] Device 600 may be substantially similar to either Device 100 or Device 500 and may operate in substantially similar manner. However, Device 600 incorporates alternative designs. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 6, Device 600 comprises a VCSEL 610, a photodetector (PD) 620, and a polarizer 630. Each of these components may be substantially similar to a similarly named component of Device 100 and may operate in substantially similar manner. Furthermore, since Device 600 may utilize an integration-based design similar to Device 300, the polarizer 630 may be directly integrated onto the PD 620.

[0038]

[0048] However, instead of using a two-molded-base design similar to those used in devices 100, 200, 300, and 400, and / or a single overmolded-base configuration similar to that used in device 500, device 600 may instead use a housing-based configuration. In this regard, such a configuration may involve the use of a housing bonded (for example, using adhesive) to the top of the substrate on which the main sub-components (VCSEL, PD, etc.) are positioned or mounted.

[0039]

[0049] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the device 600 includes a housing 640 bonded or attached to a substrate 660 using an adhesive 642, the housing 640 creating a cavity 650 on top of the substrate 660. The housing 640 may be made of an opaque material. The substrate 660 may be made of suitable materials and / or sub-elements such as ceramic, lead frame, or printed circuit board (PCB). The VCSEL 610 and PD 620, together with the integrated polarizer 630, may be positioned on top of the substrate 660 within the cavity 650.

[0040]

[0050] Device 600 may incorporate one or more optical routing components to provide or facilitate the necessary beam routing between the VCSEL 610 and the PD 620. In this regard, various types and / or techniques may be used. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, device 600 may incorporate a reflection-based optical routing component (e.g., a mirror) 670 within the housing 640, which can be attached to the inside of the housing 640, for example, by using adhesive 672. The mirror 670 may be configured to provide optimal optical routing (illustrated as a “beam center path” in Figure 6) by, for example, positioning the mirror 670 at a predetermined optimal angle to enable beam coupling from the VCSEL 610 to the PD 620.

[0041]

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates another exemplary vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 7, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (hereinafter simply referred to as "device") 700 is illustrated.

[0042]

[0052] Device 700 may be substantially similar to device 600 and may operate in substantially similar manner. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 7, device 700 comprises a VCSEL 710, a photodetector (PD) 720, a polarizer 730, a housing 740, a resonator 750, a substrate 760, and an optical routing component 770. Each of these components may be substantially similar to similarly named components of device 600 and may operate in substantially similar manner, including the housing 740 and the optical routing component 770 being bonded and / or mounted in a similar manner using adhesives 742 and 772. However, rather than a mirror which requires the housing to be formed into an irregular shape to provide mirror mounting, as illustrated in Figure 6, the optical routing component 770 may be a non-mirror structure configured to route the beam from the VCSEL 710 to the PD 720 within the structure.

[0043]

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates a stacking vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. As shown with reference to Figure 8, a stacking VCSEL quantum random number generator (QRNG) device (or simply the “device”) 800 is illustrated.

[0044]

[0054] Device 800 may be substantially similar to any of devices 100 through 700 and may operate in substantially the same manner. However, device 800 incorporates alternative designs. In particular, device 800 may utilize a stacking-based design in which generally different subcomponents are stacked on top of each other.

[0045]

[0055] In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 8, the device 800 comprises a VCSEL 810, a photodetector (PD) 820, a polarizer 830, a silicon dispensing dome 840, a glass layer 850, and a transparent layer 860. These components may be configured in a stacked manner, with the VCSEL 810 at the bottom, the silicon dispensing dome 840 enclosing it, followed by the glass layer 850, the polarizer 830, the transparent layer 860, and finally the photodetector (PD) 820 at the top. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 8, the polarizer 830 may be located on the interface between the glass layer 850 and the transparent layer 860. However, the disclosure is not limited to such configurations, and in alternative embodiments, the polarizer 830 may be located (manufactured) on top of other components. For example, the polarizer 830 may be located (manufactured) additionally or alternatively on top of the PD 820. Furthermore, the VCSEL 810 may be positioned above the base plate 870, while the photodetector (PD) 820 may be positioned below the top plate 880. The base plate 870 and top plate 880 may be made of suitable materials such as bismaleimidotriazine (BT) resin. Soldering pads 890 may be positioned below the base plate 870 and above the top plate 880, for example, when the device 800 is incorporated into a larger device or package. This is illustrated in Figure 9.

[0046]

[0056] Device 800 may be configured for operation based on side-emitting LED technology. As with the devices discussed above, the design used in device 800 may be modified. For example, a wire grid polarizer (WGP) structure may be used in the polarizer 830 at the interface between the glass and the transparent layer (and / or on top of the PD).

[0047]

[0057] The desired optical routing may be provided by the selection of materials that can couple the light source (e.g., VCSEL 810) to the photodetector (PD) 820 while mitigating feedback effects. For example, a silicon dispensing dome 840 and an intermediate layer may result in a shift to the VCSEL's emitted beam. This may be achieved by one or both of physical means (e.g., the curvature of the dome surface) and the difference in RI (refractive index) of the materials used in the layer (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 8), which may result in a small deflection to prevent feedback to the VCSEL.

[0048]

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary package incorporating a stacking vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) based quantum random number generator (QRNG) device. Figure 9 shows package 900 incorporating device 800.

[0049]

[0059] Package 900 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 910 into which device 800 is incorporated. In this regard, as previously mentioned, since device 800 may be configured for operation based on side-emitting LED technology, device 800 may be incorporated laterally on top of PCB 910. For example, device 800 may be incorporated into PCB 910 using surface mount technology (SMT), particularly in the orientation illustrated in Figure 9. To facilitate the incorporation of device 800, PCB 910 may be provided with a soldering pad 920 (for example, on its upper side) which can be used to connect device 800, particularly via the soldering pad 890 of device 800. In this regard, as illustrated in Figure 9, soldering 930 may be used to connect the soldering pad 890 of device 800 to the soldering pad 920 of PCB 910.

[0050]

[0060] In some implementations, the package used in the proposed QRNG device (e.g., any of devices 100-800) may also include additional electronics with a lead frame having a large number of pins. Such additional electronics may include one or more of the following: a laser driver that precisely drives the VCSEL in the package, additional sensor electronics such as an amplifier (e.g., a transimpedance amplifier), and a comparator configured to convert the photodiode current into a bit-level voltage.

[0051]

[0061] The exemplary optical devices described herein may be configured for use in quantum random number generation, comprising a light source configured to emit a light beam, a photodetector configured to detect light, and a polarizer positioned between the light source and the photodetector, wherein the polarizer is configured to selectively allow light having a particular polarization to pass through, the optical device comprising a package comprising at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer, wherein the polarizer is configured to selectively allow a light beam to pass through when it has a polarization that matches a particular polarization, the optical device comprising one or more mitigation functions for mitigating optical feedback to the light source, and the optical device is configured for use in facilitating or enabling quantum random number generation (QRNG) based on the detection of a light beam by the photodetector.

[0052]

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the light source comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the photodetector includes a photodiode.

[0053]

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the polarizer comprises a wire grid polarizer (WGP) structure.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the polarizer is integrated onto the photodetector.

[0054]

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the polarizer is positioned parallel to and / or oriented to the photodetector.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, one or more mitigation functions include positioning and / or oriented polarizers in a manner that prevents or reduces feedback to the light source.

[0055]

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the polarizer is positioned and / or oriented at an angle that optimizes blocking or reducing feedback to the light source.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, one or more mitigation functions include an optical routing component configured to provide or facilitate the routing of light from a light source to a photodetector while blocking or reducing feedback to the light source.

[0056]

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical routing component comprises a reflection-based optical routing component.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the reflection-based light routing component includes a mirror, which is positioned and / or oriented at an angle optimized to block or reduce feedback to the light source.

[0057]

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the package comprises a dual-molded optical coupler package.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical coupler dual-molded package comprises a first molded body and a second molded body, the first molded body being a transparent molded body made of a transparent material, and the second molded body being an opaque molded body made of an opaque material, the first molded body comprising at least a light source, a photodetector, and a polarizer, and the first molded body being at least partially disposed within and / or surrounded by the second molded body.

[0058]

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the package comprises a housing-based package.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing-based package comprises a housing defining a cavity, the housing comprising an opaque material, and the resonator comprising at least a light source, a photodetector, and a polarizer.

[0059]

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the package comprises a single overmolded base package.

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, a single overmolded-based package comprises a silicon dispensing dome and an overmolded, the silicon dispensing dome comprising at least a light source, a photodetector, and a polarizer, the silicon dispensing dome being at least partially located within and / or surrounded by the overmolded, and the overmolded comprising at least a highly reflective overmolded compound or material at its interface with the silicon dispensing dome.

[0060]

[0078] In exemplary embodiments, the optical device further comprises one or more additional electronic components.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments, one or more additional electronic components include one or more of a laser driver, an amplifier, and a comparator.

[0061]

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the package comprises at least one of one or more additional electronic components.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical device comprises a stacking base structure.

[0062]

[0082] As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more items in the list joined by “and / or.” For example, “x and / or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x),(y),(x,y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x),(y),(z),(x,y),(x,z),(y,z),(x,y,z)}. In other words, “x, y, and / or z” means “one or more of x, y, and z.” As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an unrestricted example, case, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “for example” and “e.g.” begin a list of one or more unrestricted examples, cases, or illustrations.

[0063]

[0083] As used herein, the terms “circuit” and “circuit configuration” refer to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that constitutes, is executed by, and / or is otherwise associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory devices, general computer-readable media, etc.) may have a first “circuit” that executes one or more lines of first code, and a second “circuit” that executes one or more lines of second code. In addition, a circuit may have analog and / or digital circuit configurations. Such circuit configurations may, for example, operate with analog and / or digital signals. It should be understood that a circuit may reside in a single device or chip, a single motherboard, a single chassis, multiple enclosures in a single geographical location, multiple enclosures distributed across multiple geographical locations, and so on. Similarly, the term “module” could refer, for example, to a physical electronic component (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that constitutes the hardware, is executed by the hardware, and / or may otherwise be associated with the hardware.

[0064]

[0084] As used herein, a circuit configuration or module is "operable" to perform a function whenever the circuit configuration or module has the necessary hardware and (if necessary) code to perform the function, regardless of whether the performance of the function is disabled or deactivated (for example, by user-configurable settings, factory trim, etc.).

[0065]

[0085] Other embodiments of the present invention provide a non-temporary computer-readable medium and / or storage medium storing machine code and / or computer programs having at least one code section executable by a machine and / or computer, and / or a non-temporary machine-readable medium and / or storage medium, thereby enabling a machine and / or computer to perform the processes described herein.

[0066]

[0086] Various embodiments of the present invention may also be incorporated into a computer program product that has all the functions necessary to carry out the methods described herein and can perform these methods when loaded into a computer system. In this context, a computer program means any expression in any language, code, or notation of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having information processing capabilities to perform a particular function, either directly or after either a) conversion into another language, code, or notation, or b) reproduction in different material forms.

[0067]

[0087] While the Method and / or System is described with reference to a specific implementation, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific implementation disclosed, and is intended to include all implementations within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical device configured for use in quantum random number generation, A light source configured to emit a light beam, A photodetector configured to detect light, A polarizer disposed between the light source and the photodetector Includes, The polarizer is configured to selectively allow light having a specific polarization to pass through, The optical device includes at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer in a package, The polarizer is configured to selectively allow the light beam to pass through when it has a polarization that matches the specific polarization. The optical device includes one or more mitigation functions for mitigating light feedback to the light source, The optical device is configured for use in facilitating or enabling quantum random number generation (QRNG) based on the detection of the light beam by the photodetector. Optical devices.

2. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

3. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the photodetector includes a photodiode.

4. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the polarizer includes a wire grid polarizer (WGP) structure.

5. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the polarizer is integrated on the photodetector.

6. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the polarizer is installed parallel to the photodetector, oriented parallel to the photodetector, or installed parallel to the photodetector and distributes light.

7. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more relaxation functions include arranging, aligning, or installing and aligning the polarizer in a manner that prevents or reduces feedback to the light source.

8. An optical device according to claim 7, wherein the polarizer is set up, oriented, or set up and oriented at an angle optimized to block or reduce feedback to the light source.

9. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more relaxation functions include an optical routing component configured to provide or facilitate the routing of light from the light source to the photodetector while blocking or reducing feedback to the light source.

10. An optical device according to claim 9, wherein the optical routing component includes a reflection-based optical routing component.

11. The optical device according to claim 10, wherein the reflection-based optical routing component includes a mirror, which is positioned, oriented, or positioned and oriented at an angle that optimizes blocking or reducing feedback to the light source.

12. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the package includes an optical coupler double-molded package.

13. The optical device according to claim 12, The optical coupler double-molded package includes a first molded body and a second molded body. The first molded body is a transparent molded body containing a transparent material, The second molded body is an opaque molded body containing an opaque material, The first molded body includes at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer, An optical device wherein the first molded body is at least partially disposed within the second molded body, surrounded by the second molded body, or disposed within and surrounded by the second molded body.

14. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the package includes a housing-based package.

15. An optical device according to claim 14, wherein the housing-based package includes a housing defining a cavity, the housing comprising an opaque material, and the cavity comprising at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer.

16. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the package includes a single overmolded base package.

17. The optical device according to claim 16, The aforementioned single overmolded base package includes a silicon dispensing dome and an overmolded structure. The silicon dispensing dome includes at least the light source, the photodetector, and the polarizer. The silicone dispensing dome is at least partially located within the overmolding, enclosed by the overmolding, or located within the overmolding and enclosed by the overmolding. The overmolding includes, at least at the interface with the silicon dispensing dome, a highly reflective overmolding compound or material. Optical devices.

18. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device further comprises one or more additional electronic components.

19. The optical device according to claim 18, wherein the one or more additional electronic components include one or more of a laser driver, an amplifier, and a comparator.

20. An optical device according to claim 19, wherein the package includes at least one of the one or more additional electronic components.

21. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device includes a stacking base structure.

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