https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-024-00272-8
Research
Correlation avoidance in single-photon detecting quantum random number generators by dead time overestimation
1
Department of Networked Systems and Services, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111, Budapest, Hungary
2
HUNREN-BME Information Systems Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
Received:
13
August
2024
Accepted:
6
September
2024
Published online:
19
September
2024
In the case of quantum random number generators based on single-photon arrivals, the physical properties of single-photon detectors, such as time-tagger clocks and dead time, influence the stochastic properties of the generated random numbers. This can lead to unwanted correlations among consecutive samples.
We present a method based on extending the insensitive periods after photon detections. This method eliminates the unwanted stochastic effects at the cost of reduced generation speed. We calculate performance measures for our presented method and verify its correctness with computer simulations and measurements conducted on an experimental setup. Our algorithm has low complexity, making it convenient to implement in QRNG schemes, where the benefits of having uncorrelated output intervals exceed the disadvantages of the decreased rate.
Key words: Quantum random number generation / Lasers / Single-photon detection / Probability
© The Author(s) 2024
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