paper

Provably-secure quantum randomness expansion with uncharacterised homodyne detection

arXiv:2206.03660 · doi:10.1038/s41467-022-35556-z

Abstract

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are able to generate numbers that are certifiably random, even to an agent who holds some side-information. Such systems typically require that the elements being used are precisely calibrated and validly certified for a credible security analysis. However, this can be experimentally challenging and result in potential side-channels which could compromise the security of the QRNG. In this work, we propose, design and experimentally demonstrate a QRNG protocol that completely removes the calibration requirement for the measurement device. Moreover, our protocol is secure against quantum side-information. We also take into account the finite-size effects and remove the independent and identically distributed requirement for the measurement side. More importantly, our QRNG scheme features a simple implementation which uses only standard optical components and are readily implementable on integrated-photonic platforms. To validate the feasibility and practicability of the protocol, we set up a fibre-optical experimental system with a home-made homodyne detector with an effective efficiency of 91.7% at 1550nm. The system works at a rate of 2.5MHz, and obtains a net randomness expansion rate of 4.98kbits/s at 1E10 rounds. Our results pave the way for an integrated QRNG with self-testing feature and provable security.

arXiv commentThis is a preliminary draft, comments and suggestions are welcomed!

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