DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory Develops Quantum based technology for Random Number Generation

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) has developed a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) which detects random quantum events and converts those into a stream of binary digits. The Laboratory has developed a fibre-optic branch path based QRNG. Branch path QRNG uses the principle that if a single photon incident on a balance beam splitter, it will take either of the beam-splitter output paths randomly. As the path that a photon chooses is random, the randomness translates to a sequence of bits.

QRNG system developed by the laboratory has passed the global randomness testing standards viz. NIST and Die-harder Statistical Test Suites at the speed of ~150 kbps after post-processing. The generated random numbers are also evaluated and verified using DRDO’s indigenously developed Randomness Testing Statistical Test Suite of SAG. With this development, India enters the club of countries who have the technology to achieve the generation of random numbers based on the Quantum Phenomenon.

How does Quantum play an important role in RNG?

Random numbers have essential roles in many fields. Major areas include Quantum Communication, cryptography (key generation, key wrapping, authentication etc.), scientific simulations, lotteries and fundamental physics experiments. The generation of genuine randomness is generally considered impossible with classical means. When one uses numbers to securely encode information, those numbers must be random. That is, a string of truly random numbers is one that a hacker can never guess. Quantum Mechanics has the inherent potential of providing true random numbers. Thus, it has become an option among many scientists for scientific applications that require randomness.

In recent years, physicists have turned to this idea for a solution. They using the inherently unpredictable behaviour of photons to generate truly random numbers that underpin many modern cryptographic protocols. Even more impressive is that while quantum RNG can produce unquestionably unpredictable results, we have enough of an understanding of the mechanics of this phenomenon that it can do so in a repeatable and controllable way.

It is also worth noting that this technology will influence other aspects of the industry going forwards, in addition to affecting fairness.