Random Number Generation Using Quantum Physics
Introduction to randomness and random numbers PRNG-s TRNG-s Comparison between PRNG-s and TRNG-s
Application of random numbers Authentication Confidentiality Scientific calculations -What is a random number -Testing randomness -What is a random number -Testing randomness
Generating random numbers Software solutions Physical sources of randomness - Biased and unbiased sequences - Determinism hidden behind complexity - Randomness revealed by simplicity
The Quantis QRNG Figure 1: Optical system used to generate random numbers
Principles High bit rate 4-16 Mb/s of truly random bits Transmission upon semi-transparent mirror Absolutely random transmission or reflection
Figure 2: Block diagram of the Quantis RNG
Three subsystems 1.The core of generator-comprises the diode and two single photon detectors 2.Synchronisation electronic circuit-comprises a clock, triggering electronics and acquisition electronics for a single photon detectors 3.The processing and interfacing subsystem –performs statistical and hardware checks, as well as unbiasing of the sequence, shaping the output electronic signals
Unbiasing of the random numbers Status monitoring Packaging Conclusion
Parking lot test Randomly place unit circles in a 100*100 square If the circle overlaps an existing one, try again After tries, the number of successfully ’’parked’’ circles should follow a certain normal distribution Pi values for files between and TRNG satisfies test
References [1] Schneier, B., Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, John Wiley & Sons, New York, (1996). [2] Knuth, D., The Art of Computer Programming, Vol. 2, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, (1981). [3] Maurer, U., "A universal statistical test for random bits generators", Journal of Cryptology, 5, (1992). [4] Markoff, J., "Security flaw is discovered in software used in shopping", The New York Times (19 September 1995)