Optical random-number generator based on single-photon statistics at the optical beam splitter

US6393448B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Dultz · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Eric Hidlebrandt · Frankfurt am Main, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 1999
• Grant date: May 21, 2002
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F7/588
• WIPO field: Basic communication processes
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A random-check generator for generating a random number, which is preferably represented in binary form, having a particle source, a random-check generating element which acts on particles emitted by the particle source, and a detection system which allocates a numerical value, preferably in binary form, to the detection of a particle emerging from the random-check generating element. The random-check generator is not susceptible to external interference and delivers high-quality random numbers. To that end, the particle source can emit at least two particles substantially simultaneously, and one particle can activate the detection system in order to detect a further particle influenced by the random-check generating element and allocate a numerical value thereto.