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
Abstract
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 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.