Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden believe to have found a way to make quantum random number generators (QRNG) more reliable than ever as well as more cost-effective. Let’s take a look at the results of the study and their implications. But, first, what exactly are QRNGs and what are they used for?
QRNG Applications
Put simply, random number generators (RNGs) produce a sequence or series of numbers that are undeterminable and unrelated. The most common RNGs are pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) and hardware random number generators (HRNGs), otherwise referred to as true random number generators (TRNGs). These RNGs are utilised in applications where there is a need for a certain level of randomness.
Essentially, these RNGs mirror the same randomness and luck as rolling a dice, flipping a coin, picking a card, or selecting a ball. For this reason, they are often used in online casino games. For example, bingo slingo games use RNGs in both the bingo and slot game aspects of the gameplay. The RNGs select the winning number or the icons that will land on the reels completely at random, ensuring that the gameplay is authentic, immersive, and fair.
Source: Pixabay
For other applications where randomness is required, such as cryptography, theoretical research, or statistical analysis, users may instead turn to QRNGs. QRNGs use the duality and undeterminable nature of quantum physics to generate random numbers. A light source shines at a beam splitter – after this, the photon is in a quantum superposition of being both transmitted and reflected. One of the detectors then picks up the signal, and uses it to create a random bit, making the process nigh-on impossible to crack.
The Use of PeLEDs in QRNGs
As you can see, QRNGs are complex and ultimately expensive. However, Swedish researchers have found a solution to this through the use of perovskite. Now, perovskite has previously shown promise in other applications, namely in the manufacturing of solar cells. In fact, the complex calcium titanate based crystal was once hailed as the next generation for solar cells, as it could make them cheaper, easier to make, and more flexible.
“Perovskite crystal structure” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Oregon State University
Thanks to this, perovskite has become known as a cost effective and environmentally friendly material over the past few years. Using this, the team at Linköping University fabricated perovskite into light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) that have proven to be very energy efficient. Of course, not only does this signal progress for optical displays and lighting, but these PeLEDs could be crucial for the future of QRNGs.
When trialled as the light source for QRNGs, researchers found that the PeLED technology was able to produce numbers to a high level of randomness at over 10 Mbit/second. The research also reports that 71% of the generated bits could be certified as private. With this in mind, the usage of PeLEDs could allow for the production of QRNG technology that is compact, high quality, cost effective, and durable, which could have innumerable implications for the future of electronics, scientific research, cryptography, and cybersecurity alike.
That said, the lifetime of the perovskite currently sits around 22 days due to the presence of lead in the formula. Once researchers look to find ways to prolong the lifespan of the PeLEDs, such QRNGs could be more accessible and reliable, making for more secure and fair RNGs.
