One-sided device-independent random number generation through fiber channels

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum Communication

Background:

• Certified randomness is crucial for secure applications like cryptography and simulations.
• Quantum randomness generation often relies on device characterization, posing security challenges.
• One-sided device-independent (SDI) approaches offer enhanced security by relaxing device assumptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate steering-based random number generation in a practical fiber channel.
• To achieve one-sided device-independent quantum random number generation (QRNG).
• To certify randomness without full characterization of the remote device.

Main Methods:

• Distribution of quantum steering between two distant users via a 2km fiber channel.
• Reconstruction of the covariance matrix for the shared Gaussian entangled state to certify randomness.
• Extraction of quantum random numbers from measured amplitude quadrature fluctuations.

Main Results:

• Successful distribution of quantum steering over a 2km fiber channel.
• Generation of quantum random numbers with a rate of 7.06 Mbits/s.
• Demonstration of the first practical realization of steering-based QRNG in a fiber channel.

Conclusions:

• Steering-based QRNG provides a viable method for generating secure randomness in asymmetric networks.
• This work relaxes device requirements for one party, enhancing practical implementation.
• Paves the way for secure quantum random number generation in real-world communication networks.