DRDO labs has made Random Number Generator based on Quantum tech

DRDO labs: A Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) has been developed by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), which helps in detecting random quantum events and then converts them into binary digits stream. Random numbers are used in varied sectors like quantum communication, cryptography (key generation, key wrapping, authentication etc), scientific simulations, lotteries and fundamental physics experiments.

In general, genuine random number generation is a rather impossible task when using classical means. “Quantum Mechanics has the inherent potential of providing true random numbers and thus has become the preferred option for the scientific applications requiring randomness”, an official statement said.

The quantum based random number generator has been developed by Mumbai based DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT). The developed QRNG is based on fiber optic branch path. Branch path based QRNG is based on the principle that “if a single photon is incident on a balanced beam splitter, it will take either of the beam-splitter output paths randomly. As the path chosen by photon is random, the randomness is translated to sequence of bits.” 

The release further mentioned that the developed QRNG system has passed the global randomness testing standards including NIST and Die-harder Statistical Test Suites at the speed of ~150 kbps after post-processing. 

With this development India has also entered the list of nations have the technology based on quantum for generating random numbers. 

Furthermore, the generated random numbers are also assessed and verified using DRDO’s indigenously developed Randomness Testing Statistical Test Suite of SAG. 

Defence Ministry released a press statement that said, “The QRNG system developed by the laboratory (DYSL-QT) has passed the global randomness testing standards of NIST and Die-harder Statistical Test Suites at the speed of around 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 which have the technology to achieve the generation of random numbers based on the Quantum Phenomenon.”