Characterization of the temporal phase fluctuations in a weak atmospheric turbulence regime as a random bit-stream generator

Font, Carlos O.; Gilbreath, G. C.; Restaino, Sergio R.; Bonanno, David; Bajramaj, Blerta; Nock, Kristen

doi:10.1364/ao.54.000f42

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Contemporary random number (RN) generation protocols are legion and based on a wide variety of processes. In a classical setting, studies which exploit the stochastic nature of atmospheric turbulence [1,2], phase and frequency jitters in oscillators comprised of semiconductors and lasers [3][4][5], chaotic maps [6] and which even use de-correlated photographs of lava lamps to seed a classical pseudo-random number generator [7] have been performed. However, given that classical physics is ultimately deterministic, there is broad consensus that non-deterministic quantum processes result in superior RNs: one could extract randomness from various degrees of freedom for both single and entangled photons in quantum optics setups [8][9][10], radioactive decay in atoms [11], or even from the quantum vacuum [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Random number generation and distribution out of thin (or thick) air

Bornman

Forbes

Kempf

2020

J. Opt.

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Much scientific work has focused on the generation of random numbers as well as the distribution of said random numbers for use as a cryptographic key. However, emphasis is often placed on one of the two to the exclusion of the other, but both are often simultaneously important. Here we present a simple hybrid free-space link scheme for both the generation and secure distribution of (pseudo-)random numbers between two remote parties, drawing the randomness from the stochastic nature of atmospheric turbulence. The atmosphere is simulated using digital micro-mirror devices for efficient, all-digital control. After outlining one potential algorithm for extracting random numbers based on finding the centre-of-mass (COM) of turbulent beam intensity profiles, the statistics of our experimental COM measurements is studied and found to agree well with the literature. After implementing the scheme in the laboratory, Alice and Bob are able to establish a string of correlated random bits with an 84% fidelity. Finally, we make a simple modification to the original setup in an attempt to thwart the hacking attempts of an eavesdropper, Eve, who has access to the free-space portion of the link. We find that the fidelity between Eve's key and that of Alice/Bob is 54%, only slightly above the theoretical minimum. Atmospheric turbulence could hence be leveraged as an added security measure, rather than being seen as a drawback.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Random number generation and distribution out of thin (or thick) air

Bornman

Forbes

Kempf

2020

J. Opt.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Contemporary random number (RN) generation protocols are legion and based on a wide variety of processes. In a classical setting, studies which exploit the stochastic nature of atmospheric turbulence [1,2], phase and frequency jitters in oscillators comprised of semiconductors and lasers [3][4][5], chaotic maps [6] and which even use de-correlated photographs of lava lamps to seed a classical pseudo-random number generator [7] have been performed. However, given that classical physics is ultimately deterministic, there is broad consensus that nondeterministic quantum processes result in superior RNs: one could extract randomness from various degrees of freedom for both single and entangled photons in quantum optics setups [8][9][10], radioactive decay in atoms [11], or even from the quantum vacuum [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Random number generation & distribution out of thin (or thick) air

Bornman,

Forbes,

Kempf

2019

Preprint

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Much scientific work has focused on the generation of random numbers, as well as the distribution of said random numbers for use as a cryptographic key, in recent times. However, focus is often directed to one of the two, to the exclusion of the other, but both are often simultaneously important. Here we present a simple hybrid free-space link scheme for both the generation and secure distribution of (pseudo-)random numbers between two remote parties, drawing the randomness from the stochastic nature of atmospheric turbulence. The atmosphere is simulated using digital micro-mirror devices for efficient, all-digital control. After outlining one potential algorithm for extracting random numbers based on finding the centre-of-mass (COM) from simple turbulent beam intensity profiles, the statistics of our experimental COM measurements is studied and found to agree well with the literature. After implementing the scheme in the laboratory, Alice and Bob are able to establish a string of correlated random bits with an 84% fidelity. Finally, we make a simple modification to the original setup in an attempt to thwart the hacking attempts of an eavesdropper, Eve, who has access to the free-space portion of the link. We find that the fidelity between Eve's key and that of Alice/Bob is 54%, only slightly above the theoretical minimum.

show abstract

Characterization of the temporal phase fluctuations in a weak atmospheric turbulence regime as a random bit-stream generator

Cited by 2 publications

References 10 publications

Random number generation and distribution out of thin (or thick) air

Random number generation and distribution out of thin (or thick) air

Random number generation & distribution out of thin (or thick) air

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