Quantum random number generator based on single-photon emitter in gallium nitride.

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Solid-state physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) offer true randomness, unlike classical pseudo-random number generators.
• High-speed and integrated QRNGs are crucial for secure communication and advanced computing.
• Gallium nitride (GaN) is a promising material for optoelectronic devices due to its wide bandgap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate a real-time quantum random number generator.
• To utilize a room-temperature single-photon emitter from a defect in a commercial gallium nitride wafer.
• To assess the potential of gallium nitride for integrated high-speed QRNG devices.

Main Methods:

• Employed a single-photon emitter derived from a defect within a commercial gallium nitride wafer.
• Operated the single-photon emitter at room temperature.
• Implemented von Neumann's randomness extraction procedure to obtain unbiased bits.

Main Results:

• Achieved a raw bit generation rate of approximately 1.8 MHz.
• Obtained an unbiased bit generation rate of approximately 420 kHz after randomness extraction.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of using commercial gallium nitride wafers for QRNGs.

Conclusions:

• Commercial gallium nitride wafers can host bright single-photon emitters suitable for QRNGs.
• The demonstrated QRNG achieves high bit rates, suitable for practical applications.
• Gallium nitride presents significant potential for developing integrated, high-speed quantum random number generator devices.