Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, led by Prof. Nakamura and Prof. DenBaars, developed a new quantum random number generator (QRNGs) based on microLEDs. This QRNG offers a small footprint, scalable design, and high generation rates.
The researchers explain that the the performance of many QRNGs is hindered by limitations such as low generation rates and the bulkiness of systems utilizing single-photon detectors (SPDs). The researchers from UCSB developed a 5 × 5 µm2 micro-LED-based system that addresses these challenges, utilizing the intensity fluctuations of spontaneous emissions.
By applying post-processing techniques, the new microLED-based system achieves a PD bandwidth-limited generation rate of 9.375 Gbit/s while successfully passing the required randomness tests outlined by NIST. Importantly, systematic testing across microLEDs of varying sizes (see image above) demonstrates consistently high performance, highlighting the robustness of this approach.
