A compact quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on an array of Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) is presented here. The main feature of the proposed chip is the capability to generate random numbers without the use of any external source of light. In this view, SPADs are configured to be used in two ways: 1) as a controlled light emitter and 2) as a detector. An embedded logic is able to distinguish dark events against detected emitted photon in such a way to make the system sensitive only to the presence of light. The extracted random bits show a uniform distribution and the QRNG, thanks to an integrated conditioning block maximizing the output entropy, eventually passes all AIS31 tests. The average raw bit rate in the default device configuration (one enabled column) is measured equal to 800 kbps.
A Fully Integrated Quantum Random Number Generator for Cryptographic Application
Nicola Massari;Luca Parmesan;Alessandro Tontini;Sonia Mazzucchi;
2026-01-01
Abstract
A compact quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on an array of Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) is presented here. The main feature of the proposed chip is the capability to generate random numbers without the use of any external source of light. In this view, SPADs are configured to be used in two ways: 1) as a controlled light emitter and 2) as a detector. An embedded logic is able to distinguish dark events against detected emitted photon in such a way to make the system sensitive only to the presence of light. The extracted random bits show a uniform distribution and the QRNG, thanks to an integrated conditioning block maximizing the output entropy, eventually passes all AIS31 tests. The average raw bit rate in the default device configuration (one enabled column) is measured equal to 800 kbps.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
