Quantum random number generator

便携式量子随机数发生器为了通信的绝对安全性，包括新兴的量子加密通信，并且为了实现涉及随机采样的最佳可信计算建模，需要随机数序列。这个看似简单的要求，其实是一个挑战。已经开发了许多形式的随机数生成器，但大多数输出的数字序列在经过严格的统计测试评估时被发现不是完全随机的。这种与随机性的偏离，换句话说，数字序列中的任何可辨别的模式，都可以使窃听者获得本应保密的信息。大多数创建随机数生成器的努力都倾向于由于意外的系统电路效应或恶意施加的力而导致不完美的随机性。随机数的最佳来源是利用量子力学效应来产生数字。这些是优选的，因为可以选择几乎不受周围环境扰动（例如振动、附近的电涌和无线电波）影响的量子事件。虽然量子随机数发生器现在存在，但是没有一个足够小并且以足够低的功率要求操作以实现真正便携式电池操作的部署。该项目将为第一个真正便携的量子随机数发生器奠定基础，并为该设备的商业化奠定基础。

A Portable Quantum Random Number GeneratorFor absolute security in communications, including emerging quantum encrypted communications, and also to achieve optimally trustworthy computational modeling that involves random sampling, a sequence of random numbers are required. This seemingly simple requirement is actually a challenge to meet. Many forms of random number generators have been developed but most output a sequence of numbers that are found to be not entirely random when assessed with rigorous statistical tests. Such a deviation from randomness, in other words any discernable pattern in the number sequence, can enable an eavesdropper to obtain information that was meant to be kept private. Most efforts to create random number generators are prone to imperfect randomness as a result of unintended systematic circuits effects, or to maliciously applied forces. The best sources of random numbers employ a quantum mechanical effect to generate numbers. These are preferred because quantum events can be chosen that are virtually immune to surrounding environmental perturbations such as vibration, nearby surges in electricity and radio waves.While quantum random number generators now exist, none are sufficiently small enough and operate with sufficiently low power requirements to enable truly portable battery operated deployment. This project will create the basis for the first truly portable quantum random number generator and lay the ground work for commercialization of that device.