Quantum Random Number Generation
The action of a single photon on a beamsplitter can be used in a very simple quantum random number generator: if the photon is transmitted (and detected) this represents a "0", while if it is reflected this represents a "1". Because the photon's behavior is quantum mechanically uncertain, such a scheme has the potential of being a perfect generator of completely random numbers. However, it suffers one substantial limitation, namely that the rate of random number production is limited by the detector saturation rate. We are exploring a different option, in which one uses fast electronics to record the precise arrival time of each photon. From such a measurement one can obtain multiple random bits per detection event, so that it should be possible to exceed the normal limits of quantum random number generation by at least an order of magnitude.