Nano Optics
QRNG Service
ABOUT US
This is a joint R&D effort of PicoQuant GmbH and the Nano-Optics groups at the Department of Physics of Humboldt University in the context of the BMBF-project KEPHOSI, and partially of the DFG (SFB787).
QUANTUM RANDOMNESS
Randomness is an invaluable resource in many areas of science and technology, ranging from Monte Carlo simulations to secure encryption methods. While computer generated random numbers can be used for some applications, they remain fundamentally non-random in the sense that anything generated by an algorithm is at least in principle predictable. However, quantum physics provides randomness with inherent unpredictability based on the fundamental laws of nature.
An accessible and convenient source of quantum randomness is ubiquitously available in the form of photons. Several photon based random number generators utilizing 'quantum indeterminism' have been proposed and realized in the recent past. However, with respect to commercial availability, not many implementations are reliable and/or cost efficient enough for routine use outside the physics laboratory.
OUR QRNG REALIZATION
We provide a new quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on the quantum randomness of photon arrival times. It promises provable and long term statistical quality, speed as well as affordability. Our design creates a new quality in the sense that it offers substantially higher bit rates than previous solutions available to the public. This has become possible by exploiting high resolution photon timing instrumentation and state-of-the-art data processing in hardware.
In addition to providing high speed (up to 150 Mbits/s over USB), the post-processing algorithm applied to the raw data is based on solid predictions from information theory which guarantee conservation of randomness. This allows for the use of the delivered random numbers in unconditionally secure encryption schemes. Details of the design are published in APL 98:171105. The generator is now also available as a product from PicoQuant.
Here, we open this RNG service to let the interested public test and use the generated randomness. Single chunks of random bits can be downloaded directly via this Web site and continuous streams of RNG data can be fed directly into custom application software by means of DLLs for access to the server.
ACCESS POLICIES
None of the served data is delivered more than once, neither to a single user nor across independent users. Using the service is free of charge, but requires registration. Please observe the terms of use.
User feedback will be highly appreciated and should be directed to qrng
physik.hu-berlin.de.