Silicon Photo-Multiplier Random Bit Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum random number generators face challenges such as complexity in setup, lack of robustness due to temperature and voltage variations, and low rates of extracted random bits per event, particularly when relying on exogenous sources like radioactive or photon sources.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a Silicon Photo-Multiplier sensor to generate endogenous random current pulses through impact ionization driven self-amplification, which are then time-tagged and converted into a series of random bits, offering a robust and efficient method for random bit sequence generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radioactive sources are used for quantum random number generation, then true randomness is achieved, but health protection and safety issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoidhealth protection and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces long-lived radioactive sources with short-lived quantum states of photons. The quantum random number generator uses single photons that are destroyed upon detection, eliminating the need for handling and storing hazardous radioactive materials while maintaining true randomness through quantum measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/chemical system of radioactive decay with a quantum optical system using single photons and beam splitters. This replacement eliminates radiation hazards while preserving the fundamental quantum randomness through the probabilistic nature of photon detection at beam splitter outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If particle detectors are used to detect radioactive emissions, then random bits can be generated, but dead time and radiation damage limit throughput and stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebit generation rateVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses single photons as disposable quantum carriers that are created, transmitted through the beam splitter, and destroyed upon detection. This eliminates the dead time and radiation damage issues of particle detectors because each photon is a fresh, non-degrading quantum state that requires no recovery time after detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the particle detector system with single-photon sensitive detectors operating in the quantum optical domain. This substitution eliminates the limitations of classical particle detectors (dead time, radiation damage) by using detectors specifically designed for single photon detection with no such limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If standard light sources are used in quantum random number generators, then the setup is simple, but the probability of multiple photons per pulse limits the achievable rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidbit generation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source operation from classical multi-photon pulses to single-photon states. By using quantum optical parametric down-conversion or quantum dot sources to generate deterministic single photons, the system achieves both simplicity and high rates by ensuring exactly one photon per pulse with near-unity detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite quantum optical systems combining single-photon sources (such as quantum dots or parametric down-conversion crystals) with single-photon sensitive detectors. This composite approach maintains setup simplicity while achieving high bit generation rates through the unique properties of single-photon quantum states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 high reliability, stability against temperature and voltage variations, and a high rate of extracted random bits per event, while minimizing system complexity and maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

generate endogenous random current pulses as a result of an impact ionization driven self-amplification of thermally generated charge carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact ionization: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

impact ionization driven self-amplification of thermally generated charge carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal generation of charge carriers: Thermal Energy Storage

Data Source

PatentUS12323511B2Device and method for generating random bit sequences

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 RANDOM POWER SRL

AI summary

A device for generating random bit sequences is provided. The device includes at least one Silicon Photo-Multiplier sensor configured to generate a sequence of endogenous random current pulses as a result of an impact ionization driven self-amplification of thermally generated charge carriers to which the at least one Silicon Photo-Multiplier sensor is subject, and a data processing unit configured to receive the sequence of endogenous random current pulses and to determine a random bit sequence to be provided to an end user on the basis of the sequence of endogenous random current pulses received from the at least one Silicon Photo-Multiplier sensor.