title: Quantum random number generation enhanced by weak-coherent states interference.
abstract: We propose and demonstrate a technique for quantum random number generation based on the random population of the output spatial modes of a beam splitter when both inputs are simultaneously fed with indistinguishable weak coherent states. We simulate and experimentally validate the probability of generation of random bits as a function of the average photon number per input, and compare it to the traditional approach of a single weak coherent state transmitted through a beam-splitter, showing an improvement of up to 32%. The ensuing interference phenomenon reduces the probability of coincident counts between the detectors associated with bits 0 and 1, thus increasing the probability of occurrence of a valid output. A long bit string is assessed by a standard randomness test suite with good confidence. Our proposal can be easily implemented and opens attractive performance gains without a significant trade-off.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ferreira da Silva
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Amaral
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Temporão
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: von der Weid