Fast, Compact Random Number Generator Using Semiconductor Lasers
- Technological fields
- Cutting-edge Technologies
- Keyword
- Physical random number
- Semiconductor laser
- Integrated optical circuit
- Laboratory organization
- NTT Communication Science Laboratories
Overview
Random number sequences that are absolutely unpredictable are essential for data security, so there is a demand for a compact device that rapidly generates random numbers on the basis of a physical phenomenon. Our work focused on the phenomenon in which the intensity of light from a laser varies randomly over time at high speed. We used the most advanced integrated optical circuit technology and high-frequency packaging technology to achieve a fast and compact random signal generator module. Digitizing the random output signal of the module can produce an unpredictable sequence of random numbers at high speed.
Features
- Compact, integrated system by using integrated optical circuit technology
- Random number generation at 2.08 Gbit/s
- Physical guarantee that generated random number sequence cannot be predicted
Application scenarios
- Password generation, encryption key generation
- Generation of random numbers required for the segmentation processing of secret data in secret sharing schemes
- Generation of key sequences in quantum cryptography
- Can also be used in numerical computation in science and engineering that uses random numbers
