ANU QRNG

Overview

The Australian National University (ANU) Quantum Random Number Generator is a peer-reviewed scientific instrument developed by the ANU Quantum Optics research group. It generates true random numbers by measuring quantum vacuum fluctuations in real-time.

The ANU QRNG has been operating since 2012 and has generated over 5 petabytes of random data. It is one of the most trusted and widely-used sources of quantum randomness in the world.

How the ANU QRNG Works

Step 1: Vacuum Measurement

The system uses a technique called balanced homodyne detection to measure quantum vacuum fluctuations. Even "empty" space—a perfect vacuum—is not truly empty at the quantum level. It contains zero-point energy and exhibits random electromagnetic field fluctuations.

These vacuum fluctuations are the source of the randomness. They arise from the quantum uncertainty principle and are fundamentally unpredictable.

Step 2: Laser Beam Splitting

A laser beam is split into two paths using a beam splitter. Because light is quantized (composed of discrete photons), the intensity in each beam fluctuates randomly around the mean value due to quantum effects.

The beam splitter divides photons probabilistically—each photon has a 50/50 chance of going either way. This quantum coin flip is the basis for the randomness extraction.

Step 3: Radio-Frequency Detection

The system measures the vacuum field contained in radio-frequency sidebands of the laser. Specialized photodetectors convert these optical measurements into electrical signals (photocurrents).

The difference between the photocurrents from the two paths contains pure quantum noise—untainted by classical noise sources.

Step 4: Randomness Extraction

A dedicated algorithm processes the photocurrent measurements and extracts random bits. The ANU QRNG can generate random data at rates up to 5.7 Gigabits per second.

The extraction process ensures that the output is:

  • Uniformly distributed (each bit is equally likely to be 0 or 1)

  • Statistically independent (knowing previous bits provides no information about future bits)

  • Free from bias or patterns

Technical Specifications

Specification
Value

Generation Rate

Up to 5.7 Gbit/s

Source

Quantum vacuum fluctuations

Detection Method

Balanced homodyne detection

Laser Type

Continuous wave laser

Operating Since

2012

Data Generated

5+ petabytes

Scientific Validation

The ANU QRNG and its underlying technology have been:

  • Peer-reviewed: Published in scientific journals including Physical Review Letters

  • Independently tested: Random output passes all standard statistical tests (NIST, Diehard, TestU01)

  • Academically recognized: Developed by researchers at a world-leading physics department

  • Continuously monitored: Output quality is constantly verified

Why ANU QRNG for Quantum Core?

Quantum Core uses the ANU QRNG because it represents the gold standard in quantum random number generation:

  1. Proven Track Record: Over a decade of reliable operation

  2. Scientific Credibility: Developed and maintained by respected quantum physicists

  3. Transparency: The methodology is published and verifiable

  4. Accessibility: Provides a public API for accessing quantum random data

  5. Quality Assurance: Continuous monitoring ensures consistent output quality

References

NextHow it works