Independent quality assessment of a commercial quantum random number generator

Abstract

We reverse-engineer, test and analyse hardware and firmware of the commercial quantum-optical random number generator Quantis from ID Quantique. We show that $>99\%$ > 99 % of its output data originates in physically random processes: random timing of photon absorption in a semiconductor material, and random growth of avalanche owing to impact ionisation. Under a strong assumption that these processes correspond to a measurement of an initially pure state of the components, our analysis implies the unpredictability of the generated randomness. We have also found minor non-random contributions from imperfections in detector electronics and an internal processing algorithm, specific to this particular device. Our work shows that the design quality of a commercial quantum-optical randomness source can be verified without cooperation of the manufacturer and without access to the engineering documentation.

Non-Kolmogorovian Probabilities and Quantum Technologies

“…The generation of genuine randomness is crucial in many areas, such as cybersecurity, but also scientific mathematical modeling and gambling. Therefore, many efforts are invested in the development (and certification) of such devices, and several companies have them commercially available (by the time of writing this work) [ 21 ]. As usual, noise and imperfections conspire against their effectiveness.…”

Photonic ternary quantum random number generators

“…The first photonic QRNG called Quantis was produced by ID Quantique in 2001, and it is based on the standard beamsplitter experiment, see figs 1 and 2 in [4]. For an experimental analysis of the quality of Quantis, see [5][6][7][8].…”