Photodiode Quantum Random Pulse Generator in Thin-Film Isotope Form
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices face security threats due to predictable software-based random number generation, and existing natural random number generators are bulky, expensive, and difficult to implement in small-sized devices.
Innovation Solution
A quantum random pulse generator using a photodiode detection unit and a liquefied radioactive isotope emission unit, where alpha particles emitted by the isotope's natural collapse generate random pulses, integrated in a compact thin film form to enhance security and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a natural random number generator using radioactive isotopes is used, then security is enhanced, but the device size becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thin film technology by depositing radioactive isotope materials (such as 241Am) as thin films on substrates or within microcavity structures. This reduces the volume of the radioactive source from bulk form to thin film form, enabling miniaturization while maintaining the random number generation function. The thin film structure allows the device to be integrated into small-scale applications while preserving security enhancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the radioactive isotope emission unit within a microcavity structure that is itself integrated with photodetector arrays and processing circuits on a common substrate. This nested integration approach places multiple functional components (radioactive source, detectors, processing) in a compact hierarchical arrangement, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functions for secure random number generation.
2Reliability
If a natural random number generator is used, then security is enhanced, but the device becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated units: the radioactive isotope emission unit is integrated with photodetector arrays and processing circuits on a common substrate to form a unified random number generation device. This merging of emission, detection, and processing functions into a single integrated system reduces overall device complexity compared to separate components, while maintaining the security benefits of true random number generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the random number generation device to serve multiple functions: generating true random numbers for security applications, providing cryptographic key generation, and enabling secure authentication. The integrated structure with adjustable photodetector configurations allows the same device to adapt to different security requirements and applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution provides enhanced security and authentication for IoT devices by generating natural random numbers, overcoming the limitations of pseudo-random number generators and enabling smaller, more lightweight implementations.
Implementation Method 1
A quantum random pulse generator is designed to generate a random pulse signal based on quantum randomness
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a quantum random pulse generator having enhanced security using a phenomenon in which a radioactive isotope naturally collapses. The quantum random pulse generator includes a photodiode detection unit which has a photodiode disposed at the center of the photodiode detection unit on a top surface, a radioactive isotope emission unit which emits alpha particles discharged when an atomic nucleus naturally collapses toward a photodiode, and a plate which is disposed on a top surface of the radioactive isotope emission unit and supports the radioactive isotope emission unit. The alpha particles discharged by the emission unit come into contact with the photodiode to generate a random pulse.