Quantum Tunneling Random Bit Extraction Under External Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random bit generators using quantum tunneling face challenges in maintaining high randomness quality due to deterministic processing steps that introduce external noise, reducing the reliability of generated random bits, especially in applications like cryptography.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a quantum tunneling barrier with an insulator between conductors to generate random bits, employing calibration data to separate quantum and external contributions, allowing for the extraction of higher randomness quality bit samples using a randomness extractor, thereby minimizing the impact of external noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal processing (amplification, filtering) is applied to the quantum tunneling signal, then the signal becomes usable for random bit generation, but external noise is introduced that reduces randomness quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total noise into distinct components: quantum noise (desired) and external noise (undesired). By characterizing and separating these noise sources through calibration procedures, the system can selectively utilize only the quantum noise portion for random bit generation, thereby maintaining high randomness quality while still applying necessary signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the tunneling junction (such as bias voltage, temperature) to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. By carefully controlling these parameters, the quantum tunneling signal can be amplified and processed while minimizing the introduction of external noise, thus resolving the contradiction between signal usability and randomness quality.
2Reliability
If calibration data is used to extract randomness, then higher randomness quality is achieved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration procedures in advance to characterize the noise sources and determine the quantum contribution to the total noise. This preliminary action creates lookup tables or calibration data that can be used during operation to extract randomness without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus achieving high randomness quality while keeping the operational complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If quantum tunneling is used as the noise source, then high randomness quality is achieved, but the signal level is very low requiring amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the tunneling junction parameters (bias voltage, junction resistance, temperature) to maximize the quantum noise signal level while minimizing the need for amplification. By operating in an optimized parameter regime, the system achieves sufficient signal level for processing while maintaining the inherent high randomness quality of quantum tunneling.
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
This approach enhances the randomness quality of generated bits by isolating and accounting for external noise, resulting in more reliable random bit samples with improved security and performance, suitable for high-speed generation and various applications.
Implementation Method 1
bit samples can be generated on the basis of a current of charges (negatively-charged electrons and/or positively-charged holes) randomly tunnelling across a quantum tunnelling barrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for generating a random bit sample involves a quantum tunneling barrier. The method generally has: generating a current of charges tunneling across said quantum tunneling barrier, the current of the tunneled charges having an instantaneous level varying randomly due to quantum tunneling fluctuations and forming a raw signal; from said raw signal, obtaining a raw bit sample having a first bit number n, the first bit number n being an integer; extracting the randomness out of the raw bit sample into the random bit sample, the random bit sample having a second bit number m being smaller than the first bit number n, said extracting being based on calibration data comprising at least a quantum contribution value of said quantum tunneling fluctuations in said raw bit sample; and on an external contribution value in said raw bit sample.