Experimental fast quantum random number generation using high-dimensional entanglement with entropy monitoring

Abstract

A quantum random number generator (QRNG) generates genuine randomness from the intrinsic probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. The central problems for most QRNGs are estimating the entropy of the genuine randomness and producing such randomness at high rates. Here we propose and demonstrate a proof-of-concept QRNG that operates at a high rate of 24 Mbits/s by means of a high-dimensional entanglement system, in which the user monitors the entropy in real time via the observation of nonlocal quantum interference, without a detailed characterization of the devices. Our work provides an important approach to a robust QRNG with trusted but error-prone devices.