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arXiv · 2002.12295

Semi-Device-Independent Random Number Generation with Flexible Assumptions

Matej Pivoluska·Martin Plesch·Máté Farkas·Natália Ružičková·Clara Flegel·Natalia Herrera Valencia·Will McCutcheon·Mehul Malik·Edgar A. Aguilar
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Abstract

Our ability to trust that a random number is truly random is essential for fields as diverse as cryptography and fundamental tests of quantum mechanics. Existing solutions both come with drawbacks -- device-independent quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are highly impractical and standard semi-device-independent QRNGs are limited to a specific physical implementation and level of trust. Here we propose a new framework for semi-device-independent randomness certification, using a source of trusted vacuum in the form of a signal shutter. It employs a flexible set of assumptions and levels of trust, allowing it to be applied in a wide range of physical scenarios involving both quantum and classical entropy sources. We experimentally demonstrate our protocol with a photonic setup and generate secure random bits under three different assumptions with varying degrees of security and resulting data rates.

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Matej Pivoluska, Martin Plesch, Máté Farkas, Natália Ružičková, Clara Flegel, Natalia Herrera Valencia, Will McCutcheon, Mehul Malik, Edgar A. Aguilar. 2020-02-27. Semi-Device-Independent Random Number Generation with Flexible Assumptions. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-021-00387-1

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