Single Photon Detector Dark Count Random Number Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

In quantum encryption communication, existing methods for generating true random numbers require separate devices or secret keys, leading to inefficiencies and potential security vulnerabilities, particularly due to the dark count phenomenon in single photon detectors which generates unintended signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a single photon detector to recognize dark count occurrences and generate random numbers based on bit values allocated to sections, following a nominal distribution, without the need for additional devices or secret keys, by applying trigger signals at predetermined intervals and dividing detection times into sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices or secret keys are used to generate true random numbers, then randomness quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful dark count phenomenon, which was previously considered noise interfering with quantum key distribution, into a useful resource for generating true random numbers. By utilizing the inherently random nature of dark count events in single photon detectors, the system generates high-quality random numbers without requiring separate random number generation devices or pre-shared secret keys, thus resolving the contradiction between randomness quality and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The single photon detector is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original function of detecting photons for quantum key distribution and a new function of generating true random numbers through dark count events. This eliminates the need for separate random number generation hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining randomness quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate devices or secret keys are used to generate true random numbers, then randomness quality is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful dark count phenomenon into a useful resource for generating true random numbers. By utilizing the inherently random nature of dark count events in single photon detectors, the system generates high-quality random numbers without requiring separate random number generation devices or pre-shared secret keys, thus resolving the contradiction between randomness quality and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The single photon detector serves itself by using its own dark count events to generate random numbers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external random number generation resources, reducing both device complexity and cost while maintaining high randomness quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If dark count phenomenon is utilized for random number generation, then additional hardware and secret keys are eliminated, but the dark count signals were previously considered harmful interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddark count interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful dark count phenomenon, which was previously considered noise interfering with quantum key distribution, into a useful resource for generating true random numbers. By utilizing the inherently random nature of dark count events in single photon detectors, the system generates high-quality random numbers without requiring separate random number generation devices or pre-shared secret keys, thus resolving the contradiction between randomness quality and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enables the generation of true random numbers without additional hardware or secret key consumption, enhancing security and efficiency in quantum encryption communication by leveraging the dark count phenomenon, thereby improving key generation rates and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The detected signal generated by the dark count may be generated by shot noise which is not intended by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShot noise:

Data Source

PatentUS20230037690A1Method for generating random number

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for generating a random number, which is performed by a computing device including at least one processor. The method for generating a random number may include: recognizing the number of detection times at which a single photon detector (SPD) detects a dark count; and generating a random number based on a bit value allocated to a section including the number of detection times among a plurality of sections.