Single-pixel postprocessing-free 5 Mbps quantumrandom number generator using a single-photon avalanche diode detector and a T/(T − t) pulse-shaped laser driver

Abstract

Experimental demonstration of a quantum random number generator based on onesingle-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector, a T/(T − t) pulse-shaped laser, and an field- programmable gate array (FPGA) acquisition module is presented. An integrated laser driver drives an external laser diode at 670 nm wavelength, whereas the SPAD with a photon detectionprobability of 18.5% is integrated together with an active quenching-resetting circuit. The SPADdetector generates counts for the interarrival time (IAT) measurement system implemented in anFPGA, where the change of the IATs between consecutive pulses is used to derive a random bitstream. It is shown how the application of a pulse-shaped laser driver can increase the perfor-mance of the system as compared to the continuous-wave operation of the laser diode to achievethe maximum generation rate of 5 Mbps while using a single SPAD. The generated numbers passall randomness tests of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Dieharder,and ENT test (pseudorandom number sequence test) suits.