Nuclear Radiation TRNG With Uniform Electron-Flux Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing true random number generators (TRNGs) based on radioactive decay face challenges due to the need for large detectors, potential danger from highly radioactive materials, and non-uniform electron flux across detector arrays, which affects randomness.

Innovation Solution

A compact TRNG design using nickel-63 as the radioactive source, with a cavity-separated detector array and a projected radioactive source surface to ensure uniform electron flux, and adjustable detector sizes to balance electron exposure, combined with memory and processing circuitry for efficient bit generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large detectors are used to detect radioactive decay, then detection reliability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into an array of multiple small detector elements rather than using a single large detector. Each detector element in the array independently detects beta particles, and their combined output provides reliable random number generation while keeping individual detector sizes small and suitable for integration on a chip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single large detector to a two-dimensional array of small detector elements. This spatial arrangement allows the system to achieve the necessary detection reliability through the collective output of multiple elements while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for on-chip integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If highly radioactive materials are used as the source, then random number generation speed is improved, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom number generation speedVSAvoidradiation danger

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of radioactive source activity by using nickel-63, which has a moderate half-life of approximately 100 years. This provides a balanced radioactivity level that generates sufficient beta particles for high-speed random number generation while maintaining safety for compact personal devices, avoiding the need for highly radioactive materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If uniform electron flux across the detector array is achieved, then randomness quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoiddetector array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by making detector elements at different positions in the array have different areas. Detector elements closer to the radioactive source have smaller areas, while those farther away have larger areas. This compensates for the varying electron flux intensity at different positions, ensuring uniform signal output across the array and high-quality randomness without requiring complex external adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design achieves a stable and safe generation of true random numbers at high speed, with uniform electron flux and reduced exposure risks, suitable for compact personal devices.

Implementation Method 1

nickel-63 as the radioactive source... electrons within the cavity from the decay of the radioactive source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeta decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

Each cell in the array comprises a detector constructed to detect electrons within the cavity from the decay of the radioactive source and to produce a signal for the detected energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12360742B2Method and apparatus for true random number generator based on nuclear radiation

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 RANDAEMON SP ZOO

AI summary

A true random number generator (TRNG) is disclosed that includes an enclosure. The enclosure enfolds a radioactive source, defining a radioactive source surface and a cavity separating the radioactive source from an array of cells, which defines an array surface with an edge. Each cell in the array comprises a detector constructed to detect electrons within the cavity from the decay of the radioactive source and to produce a signal for the detected energy. A projection of the radioactive source surface onto the array surface extends beyond the edge and encompasses the array surface.