Imperfection-insensitivity quantum random number generator with untrusted daily illumination

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Quantum Cryptography
• Device-Independent Quantum Technologies

Background:

• Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) offer theoretically secure randomness but face security risks due to device imperfections.
• Existing security proofs for source-independent QRNGs (SI-QRNGs) are often fragmented and sensitive to deviations from ideal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a unified model for analyzing imperfect measurements in SI-QRNGs.
• To provide a robust security proof and randomness rate bound for SI-QRNGs under realistic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Established a unified mathematical model for imperfect measurements in SI-QRNGs.
• Derived a tight randomness rate bound using the uncertainty relation for smooth entropies.
• Experimentally demonstrated the proposed SI-QRNG scheme using standard, imperfect devices.

Main Results:

• The unified model accurately quantifies security with significant device imperfections.
• The derived randomness rate approaches theoretical upper bounds seen in common QRNGs.
• Experimental validation achieved randomness generation rates in the Mbps range.

Conclusions:

• The developed unified model enhances the security and practicality of SI-QRNGs.
• This approach enables secure randomness generation even with highly imperfect, real-world devices.
• The findings pave the way for robust, high-speed quantum random number generation.