Device for quantum random number generation and method for verification of privacy of random number sequences generated by means thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum random number generators face challenges in ensuring the privacy of generated sequences, as they may be vulnerable to interference by unauthorized parties, including the manufacturer, and require complex optical systems with precise calibration and trusted components.
Innovation Solution
A device using a light source with fixed polarization and a polarization splitting element connected via a multi-state polarization modulator, combined with single photon detectors, allows for self-testing to verify the privacy of generated random numbers, ensuring the sequence cannot be guessed by unauthorized parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quantum random number generator uses complex optical systems with precise calibration and trusted components to ensure privacy, then the privacy of generated sequences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into modular components: a light source unit, a polarization modulator unit, a polarization beam splitter unit, and detector units. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently characterized, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining privacy guarantees through the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-testing capabilities where the system characterizes its own components (light source, modulator, beam splitter) and verifies its privacy properties without requiring external trusted devices. The system performs internal measurements to determine parameters like polarization rotation angles and beam splitter transmission coefficients, enabling autonomous verification of security claims.
2Reliability
If a quantum random number generator implements self-testing to verify privacy, then the reliability of random number generation is improved, but the time required for verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs characterization of optical components and verification of privacy properties during the initialization phase before actual random number generation begins. The system measures and stores parameters such as polarization rotation angles and detector response characteristics in advance, so that during operation only quick verification checks are needed, significantly reducing the time impact of privacy verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-testing and verification processes are integrated into the continuous operation of the random number generator. The system continuously monitors and verifies privacy properties alongside random number generation, ensuring that security checks do not interrupt or significantly delay the generation process, thereby maintaining continuous useful action.
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 device generates true random numbers with confidence that the sequence remains private, using a simpler optical system with commonly available components and self-testing capabilities to detect interference.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-state polarization modulator (150) controlled by a digital or analog signal generated by a control electronics (160) connected to the multi-state polarization modulator (150)
Implementation Method 2
a polarization splitting element (110) optically connected thereto, having a first output (111) corresponding to vertical polarization and a second output (112) corresponding to horizontal polarization
Implementation Method 3
a first detector (131) optically connected to the first output (111) of the polarization splitting element (110) and a second detector (132) optically connected to the second output (112) of the polarization splitting element (110)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to Device for quantum generation of random numbers comprising a light source (100) with fixed polarization and a polarization splitting element (110) optically connected thereto, having a first output (111) corresponding to vertical polarization and a second output (112) corresponding to horizontal polarization, and a first detector (131) optically connected to the first output (111) of the polarization splitting element (110) and a second detector (132) optically connected to the second output (112) of the polarization splitting element (110), a generating module (140) having a first input (141) connected to the output of the first detector (131) and a second input (142) connected to the output of the second detector (132), and a two-state output (143), the generating module (140) configured to generate on the two-state output (143) bits having a value of 1 upon receiving a signal on the first input (141) and bits having a value of 0 upon receiving a signal on the second input (142), characterized in that the light source (100) is connected to the polarization splitting element (110) via a multi-state polarization modulator (150) controlled by a digital or analog signal generated by a control electronics (160) connected to the multi-state polarization modulator (150).The invention comprises also a method for verification of privacy of random bit sequences generated by means of such a device.