A programmable true random number generator using commercial quantum computers

Aviraj Sinha; Elena R. Henderson; Jessie M. Henderson; Eric C. Larson; Mitchell A. Thornton

doi:10.1117/12.2663497

13 June 2023 A programmable true random number generator using commercial quantum computers

Aviraj Sinha, Elena R. Henderson, Jessie M. Henderson, Eric C. Larson, Mitchell A. Thornton

Proceedings Volume 12517, Quantum Information Science, Sensing, and Computation XV ; 1251705 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2663497
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2023, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Random number generators (RNG) are essential elements in many cryptographic systems. True random number generators (TRNG) rely upon sources of randomness from natural processes such as those arising from quantum mechanics phenomena. We demonstrate that a quantum computer can serve as a high-quality, weakly random source for a generalized user-defined probability mass function (PMF). Specifically, QC measurement implements the process of variate sampling according to a user-specified PMF resulting in a word comprised of electronic bits that can then be processed by an extractor function to address inaccuracies due to non-ideal quantum gate operations and other system biases. We introduce an automated and flexible method for implementing a TRNG as a programmed quantum circuit that executes on commercially-available, gate-model quantum computers. The user specifies the desired word size as the number of qubits and a definition of the desired PMF. Based upon the user specification of the PMF, our compilation tool automatically synthesizes the desired TRNG as a structural OpenQASM file containing native gate operations that are optimized to reduce the circuit’s quantum depth. The resulting TRNG provides multiple bits of randomness for each execution/measurement cycle; thus, the number of random bits produced in each execution is limited only by the size of the QC. We provide experimental results to illustrate the viability of this approach.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Aviraj Sinha, Elena R. Henderson, Jessie M. Henderson, Eric C. Larson, and Mitchell A. Thornton "A programmable true random number generator using commercial quantum computers", Proc. SPIE 12517, Quantum Information Science, Sensing, and Computation XV , 1251705 (13 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2663497

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available