title: All-optical quantum random bit generation from intrinsically binary phase of parametric oscillators.
abstract: We demonstrate a novel all-optical quantum random number generator (RNG) based on above-threshold binary phase state selection in a degenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Photodetection is not a part of the random process, and no post processing is required for the generated bit sequence. We show that the outcome is statistically random with 99% confidence, and verify that the randomness is due to the phase of initiating photons generated through spontaneous parametric down conversion of the pump, with negligible contribution of classical noise sources. With the use of micro- and nanoscale OPO resonators, this technique offers a promise for simple, robust, and high-speed on-chip all-optical quantum RNGs.
authors.affiliation: E L Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, California 94305, USA. marandi@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marandi
authors.forename: Nick C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Leindecker
authors.forename: Konstantin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Vodopyanov
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Byer
mesh_terms: D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*