A simple high-speed random number generator with minimal post-processing using a random Raman fiber laser.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Information Security

Background:

• Random number generation is crucial for cryptography and simulations.
• Existing methods often require complex setups or extensive post-processing.
• Fiber lasers offer potential for compact and efficient random number sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, simple method for high-speed random bit generation.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of a random Raman fiber laser for this purpose.
• To evaluate the randomness quality of the generated bit streams.

Main Methods:

• A half-open cavity fiber laser incorporating a narrow-linewidth fiber Bragg grating was constructed.
• Random bit sequences were generated by exploiting laser mode interactions and nonlinear effects like modulation instability.
• The NIST statistical test suite was employed to assess the randomness of the generated bit streams.

Main Results:

• The random Raman fiber laser achieved bit generation rates of up to 540 Gbps.
• Minimal post-processing was required for the generated bit sequences.
• The generated bit sequences passed all NIST statistical tests at a significance level of 0.01.
• High physical entropy content was confirmed, exceeding theoretical generation speeds.

Conclusions:

• The developed random Raman fiber laser provides a simple and effective method for high-speed random number generation.
• The technique offers a promising solution for applications requiring high-quality random bits.
• The study underscores the importance of evaluating physical entropy in random number generation.