Randomness scaling in photonic quantum random number generators (Market Study)

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Random number generation is a critical security element in today's connected world to ensure our safety and trusted communications. While today's systems like Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs) rely on deterministic - thus predictable - algorithms, Quantum RNGs exploit elementary quantum optic processes that are fundamentally probabilistic to produce true randomness. Thus, as we enter the quantum decade, Quantum Random Number Generation has established itself as the reference in terms of security, reliability, and ease-of-use.  With a variety of ways in which QRNGs can be produced, the photonics implementation appears to be the most promising strategy as it satisfies important requirements like an easy interfacing with communications protocols, high bit rates and increased security. The current proposal deals with a market study related to a new scheme of photonic QRNGs in which the efficiency of random bit generation can be scaled-up by cascading an increasing number of easy-to-realize fiber-based beam splitters and delay lines, while minimally increasing the device complexity. The implemented technique is highly versatile as it works independently from the source and the detection mechanism, while using, at the same time, simple, off-the-shelf telecommunications components in a time multiplexing scheme to increase the number of states a detected photon can occupy (thereby improving the randomness of the produced bits). Moreover, it provides a tunable control over both key performance parameters of commercial QRNGs (speed and security) in addition to being compatible with multiple integration/ free space/ fiber platforms. By improving photonic QRNGs performances, at a low-cost production, our new scheme opens the door to photonic QRNG commercial developments. Hence, we strongly believe that a market study for this innovative technology is extremely timely and will contribute to reinforce the impact of the high-technology Canadian industry on the international scene.