About QRANGE

The generation of random numbers plays a crucial role in many applications in science and impacting society, in particular for simulation and cryptography. It is of fundamental importance that the generated numbers are truly random, as any deviation may adversely effect modelling or jeopardise security. Notably, recent breaches of cryptographic protocols have exploited weaknesses in the random number generation. In this context, schemes exploiting the inherent randomness of quantum physics have been extensively investigated.

Quantum random number generation (QRNG) devices are now commercially available, which arguably represents one of the most successful developments of quantum technologies so far. QRANGE wants to push the QRNG technology further, allowing for a wide range of commercial applications of QRNG. We will build three different prototypes, which are cheaper, faster and more secure than existing devices:

• A fully integrated low-cost QRNG based on standard CMOS technology with a cost of the order of 1€ for IoT.
• A high-speed phase-diffusion scheme based on the interference of laser pulses with random phase relationship featuring bit rates of up to 10Gb/s.
• Inspired by device independent schemes, a self-testing QRNG, which allows for a continuous estimation of the generated entropy, with few assumptions on the devices.

Moreover, we will make considerable theoretical effort for modelling the devices, designing efficient randomness extractors and studying new semi device-independent concepts. Last but not least, we will work together with the competent institutions towards a full certification scheme of QRNG devices compliant with the highest security standards. This project is well-aligned with the vision and objectives of the Quantum Flagship, especially in terms of taking quantum technologies from the laboratory to industry with concrete prototype applications and marketable products.

For more information about QRANGE, contact the project coordinator Prof. Hugo Zbinden

About the Quantum Flagship

The Quantum Flagship was launched in 2018 as one of the largest and most ambitious research initiatives of the European Union. With a budget of €1 billion and a duration of 10 years, the flagship brings together research institutions, academia, industry, enterprises, and policy makers, in a joint and collaborative initiative on an unprecedented scale. The main objective of the Flagship is to consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area as well as to transfer quantum physics research from the lab to the market by means of commercial applications and disruptive technologies. With over 5,000 researchers from academia and industry involved in this initiative throughout its lifetime, it aims to create the next generation of disruptive technologies that will impact Europe’s society, placing the region as a worldwide knowledge-based industry and technological leader in this field.

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