Self-Powered Random Number Generator Based on Coupled Triboelectric and Electrostatic Induction Effects at the...

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Information Security

Background:

• Modern cryptography requires true random numbers for secure keys, often generated by complex and expensive physical processes.
• Existing methods for generating true random numbers rely on thermal noise or quantum effects, demanding specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a self-powered method for generating true random numbers using triboelectric technology.
• To develop a practical and cost-effective solution for creating unpredictable random numbers for information security applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a triboelectric generator (TENG) with an irregular grating structure to harvest random signals from raindrops.
• Integrated electronic-optical and optical-electronic devices with nonlinear characteristics to process and convert the harvested signals.
• Employed a standard algorithm to deduce random number sequences from the final electrical signals.

Main Results:

• The developed generator exhibits complex nonlinear input-output behavior, enhancing randomness.
• Generated random number sequences demonstrated good statistical properties, including unpredictability and unrepeatability.
• The system successfully converted natural random signals into usable true random numbers.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a simple, practical, and effective method for self-powered true random number generation.
• This technology has broad applicability in cryptographic protocols, digital signatures, authentication, and information security.
• Triboelectric technology offers a viable alternative for generating high-quality random numbers from natural sources.