Efficient random number generation techniques for CMOS single-photon avalanche diode array exploiting fast time tagging units

This work presents a technique to produce random bits by exploiting single-photon time of arrival. Two quantum random number generator (QRNG) devices based on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology are presented: Randy, which uses one discrete single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), and L...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Andrea Stanco, Davide G. Marangon, Giuseppe Vallone, Samuel Burri, Edoardo Charbon, Paolo Villoresi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Physical Society 2020-06-01
Series:Physical Review Research
Online Access:http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.023287
Description
Summary:This work presents a technique to produce random bits by exploiting single-photon time of arrival. Two quantum random number generator (QRNG) devices based on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology are presented: Randy, which uses one discrete single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), and LinoSPAD, which uses a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) SPAD array, along with a time-to-digital converter (TDC). Postprocessing procedures are explained in order to extract randomness, taking care of SPAD and TDC nonidealities. These procedures are based on the application of Peres [Ann. Statist. 20, 590 (1992)10.1214/aos/1176348543] and Zhou and Bruck [arXiv:1209.0726] extraction algorithms. Achieved generation rates are 1.8 Mbit/s for the Randy device and 310 Mbit/s for the LinoSPAD device.
ISSN:2643-1564