Harnessing Nature’s Randomness: Physical Random Number Generator

Geraldo A. Barbosa

doi:10.17648/enig.v1i1.18

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About The Author

Geraldo A. Barbosa
PhD, CEO of QuantaSec – Consulting and Projects in Phys- ical Cryptography

Geraldo A. Barbosa was born in Brazil, in 1943. PhD (Physics)/University of Southern California, 1974. Ar- eas of work: Quantum Optics and Condensed Matter (Theory and Experiment). Full Professor, Universi- dade Federal de Minas Gerais/MG/Brazil (up to 1995); Northwestern University (2000/2012) and CEO, Quan- taSec Consultoria e Projetos em Criptografia F ́ısica Ltda /Brazil. Member of American Physical Society and Sociedade Brasileira de Física. Established sev- eral research laboratories including the first Quantum Optics laboratory in Brazil, where a quantum image was first demonstrated worldwide. Has patents in cryptography, including the very first Brazilian patent in quantum cryptography: INPI-PI9806314. This system is similar to a BB84 protocol but works in time coincidences with two independently polarized photons to eliminate background noises. Another patent covers the alpha eta encryption system (inventors: H. P. Yuen, P. Ku- mar, and G. A. Barbosa), developed under support from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)- Department of Defense. A patent be- ing implemented through support from Renasic (Rede Nacional de Seguranc ̧a da Informac ̧a ̃o e Criptografia) is entitled “Fast multi-photon key distribution scheme secured by quantum noise” (US-2005-0152540-A1 and Brazil-INPI 002872/G. A. Barbosa).

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Harnessing Nature’s Randomness: Physical Random Number Generator

Geraldo A. Barbosa

Abstract

Random number generators are indispensable for a multi- tude of tasks; from electronic games to secure communications. Most gen- erators have been made either in software or determinist hardwired de- vices such as the Linear-Feedback-Shift-Registers; while gaining in costs or speed, the “random” sequences generated are actually deterministic, obeying clear generating algorithms, despite all randomness appearance of their outputs. From the other side, Nature presents a multitude of sources of true randomness that can be explored. Commercial random generators exist based on physical processes as the source of randomness. Difficulties are always present to extract Nature’s randomness. This paper presents guidelines for construction of a fast (telecommunication speed) Physical Random Number Generator. It discusses the fundamental physical ele- ments involved, technicalities of signal recording and its limitations, and the final bit extraction. The need for randomness tests is emphasized and the impossibility of guaranteeing true randomness of a finite sequence is discussed.

Keywords

Random; Physical processes; Cryptography

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17648/enig.v1i1.18