Optimal and Feasible Contextuality-based Randomness Generation

Abstract

Semi-device-independent (SDI) randomness generation protocols based on Kochen-Specker contextuality offer the attractive features of compact devices, high rates, and ease of experimental implementation over fully device-independent (DI) protocols. Here, we investigate this paradigm and derive four results to improve the state-of-art. Firstly, we introduce a family of simple, experimentally feasible orthogonality graphs (measurement compatibility structures) for which the maximum violation of the corresponding non-contextuality inequalities allows to certify the maximum amount of ${\log }_{2}d$ bits of randomness from a qu$d$it system with projective measurements for $d\ge 3$. We analytically derive the Lovász theta and fractional packing number for this graph family, and thereby prove their utility for optimal randomness generation in both randomness expansion and amplification tasks. Secondly, a central additional assumption in contextuality-based protocols over fully DI ones, is that the measurements are repeatable and satisfy an intended compatibility structure. We frame a relaxation of this condition in terms of $\hat{I}\mu$-orthogonality graphs for a parameter $\hat{I}\mu >0$, and derive quantum correlations that allow to certify randomness for arbitrary relaxation $\hat{I}\mu \in [0,1)$. Thirdly, it is well known that a single qubit is non-contextual, i.e., the qubit correlations can be explained by a non-contextual hidden variable (NCHV) model. We show however that a single qubit is \textit{almost} contextual, in that there exist qubit correlations that cannot be explained by $\hat{I}\mu$-faithful NCHV models for small $\hat{I}\mu >0$. Finally, we point out possible attacks by quantum and general consistent (non-signalling) adversaries for certain classes of contextuality tests over and above those considered in DI scenarios.

Accepted in Phys. Rev. Lett. 7+17 pages, 2+5 figures