A Robust Quantum Random Number Generator Based on an Integrated Emitter-Photodetector Structure

Year: 2018

Authors: Acerbi F., Bisadi Z., Fontana G., Zorzi N., Piemonte C., Pavesi L.

Autors Affiliation: Fdn Bruno Kessler, Ctr Mat & Microsyst, I-38123 Trento, Italy;‎ Univ Trento, Nanosci Lab, Dept Phys, I-38123 Trento, Italy;‎ Univ Trento, Nanosci Lab, I-38123 Trento, Italy; Univ Trento, CNR INO Dept Phys, I-38123 Trento, Italy

Abstract: We present a new compact photonic quantum random number generator based on an emitter (source of entropy) and a single-photon detector integrated in the same silicon chip. Not only they are integrated one close to the other, but also they are fabricated with the same fabrication process. The emitter is a small silicon photomultiplier, composed of passively-quenched single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), having the same layout of the single SPAD used as the detector. The emitter is a reverse-biased silicon p-n junction, generating photons mainly due to impact ionization during the avalanche breakdown process. The detector is shielded from ambient light by a top metal layer: only photons from the emitter are detected, making this integrated approach more robust. The random bits are extracted with a robust methodology based on the measurement of photon arrival times, using discrete time bins, in a time frame cyclically repeated in time. No postprocessing is required for the raw data to pass the statistical tests.

Journal/Review: IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS

Volume: 24 (6)      Pages from: 6101107-1  to: 6101107-7

KeyWords: Avalanche photodiode; single-photon; random numbers; SPAD; silicon photomultiplier
DOI: 10.1109/JSTQE.2018.2814787

Citations: 7
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