Quantum Random Number Generator Using Optical Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quantum random number generators using quantum mechanical processes are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for dynamic environments like mobile communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light source, optical diffuser, and light detector elements that emit photons uniformly across the detector array, leveraging quantum mechanical effects to generate random numbers, with post-processing to achieve unbiased and high-entropy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum mechanical processes are used to generate random numbers, then the quality of random numbers is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential quantum mechanical component (light source emitting photons) from complex quantum random number generators, eliminating unnecessary quantum mechanical apparatus while preserving the quantum randomness source through the inherent randomness of photon emission and detection events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified optical system that copies the essential quantum randomness phenomenon without requiring full quantum mechanical equipment. The light source and detector array create a simplified model of quantum randomness that achieves the same statistical properties without complex quantum apparatus
2Reliability
If quantum mechanical processes are used to generate random numbers, then the quality of random numbers is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as standard light sources (LEDs or lasers) and commercial light detectors instead of expensive quantum mechanical equipment. The system uses off-the-shelf optical components that can be manufactured at low cost while still producing high-quality quantum random numbers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes expensive and complex quantum mechanical components from traditional quantum random number generators, retaining only the essential photon emission and detection process that can be implemented with low-cost optical components
3Productivity
If photons are emitted to illuminate light detectors, then quantum random numbers are generated, but the illumination uniformity across detectors varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical diffuser element that transforms the spatial distribution of light in a new dimension, scattering photons to achieve uniform illumination across the detector array while maintaining the quantum randomness of individual photon detection events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical diffuser as an intermediary component between the light source and detector array. This intermediary element redistributes the light spatially to achieve uniform illumination without affecting the quantum mechanical randomness of photon emission or detection
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 system produces high-quality quantum random numbers efficiently and cost-effectively, suitable for use in mobile devices, enhancing cryptographic security without the complexity of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for emitting photons
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light detector elements, each for converting received light into electrical charge
Implementation Method 3
the at least one optical diffuser element is located in a light path between the at least one light source and the plurality of light detector elements, and is for making the degree of illumination of each of the plurality of light detector elements more uniform
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating random numbers comprises a light source for emitting photons, an optical diffuser element, and a plurality of light detector elements, each being for converting received light into electrical charge. The system further comprises means for converting the electrical charge of each of the plurality of light detector elements into an output value. The light source is for illuminating the plurality of light detectors with the photons, whereby the photons are incident on random ones of the plurality of light detectors. The diffuser is located in a light path between the light source and the plurality of light detector elements, and is for making the degree of illumination of each of the plurality of light detector elements more uniform, whereby the output values of the plurality of light detector elements comprise a set of random numbers each comprising quantum noise.