JP2021524619A - Random number generation through the use of quantum optics effects in multi-layer birefringence structures - Google Patents

Abstract

The optical system receives an input beam, which can be non-coherent or coherent, and generates randomized energy from the input beam by creating a birefringence-guided beam subdivision as the beam passes through each birefringence layer. Using a multi-birefringence structure, a randomized energy distribution is created after the beam has passed the threshold number of birefringence layers. This randomized energy distribution is read by a photodetector and converted into random numbers by a randomizing device.

Description

Mutual Reference of Related Applications This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and is filed on March 4, 2015, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 128,088, U.S. Patent Law No. 119. A partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 15 / 060,144 filed March 3, 2016, claiming priority interests under section (e), filed May 14, 2018. Claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 979,062.

The background description provided herein is intended to provide a general presentation of the context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this background section, the works of the inventors currently listed, as well as aspects of the description that may not be separately approved as prior art at the time of filing, are defined as prior art for the present disclosure. Not explicitly or implicitly recognized.

The use of random numbers is almost ubiquitous in the fields of computer science and information technology. Random numbers encode sensitive messages and create simulations that mimic real-world randomized events (also known as Monte Carlo simulations used in Wall Street's scientific calculations and consumer behavior modeling). Used for gaming applications such as lottery, as well as for hosting other applications in science and computing. Traditional random number generator (RNG) devices have utilized a variety of electronic and optical noise to generate initial numbers. Often the process is slow enough that these initial numbers only provide a "seed" for the mathematical algorithm that ultimately produces the random bits. However, these random bits are only pseudo-random due to the fundamental limitations of system design.

Currently, optical systems that generate random numbers use optical noise to generate them. However, sources of noise in conventional designs, such as noise from a single photon passing through a light beam splitter, show significant variation due to temperature and external conditions and often require subtraction of the DC signal. This is because many RNGs correct a significant number of zero bits due to low photon counts or non-random background filtering that is usually orders of magnitude greater than the desired effect (von Neumann corrector). Means that it is beneficial only if there is. Such RNG devices may exhibit low speeds because they have to wait for the noise level to exceed some thresholds.

As electronic devices become faster, cheaper, and run in parallel, there is great interest in generating true random numbers in a way that is independent of operating conditions or the need for pseudo-random algorithms.

This technique provides an alternative technique for generating random bits, a technique that overcomes many of the drawbacks associated with conventional RNG. The technique uses a beam source that can be very coherent and can exhibit ultra-low noise (eg, a laser source) and produces a randomized light output through repeated interactions with the birefringent medium. The device may be used to rotate the polarization state of light and maintain a "mixed quantum state" that produces a noisy light output (relative to the axis of the birefringent medium). This enhanced noise, random beam output can be read by a single cell or pixelated photodetector. Each pixel experiences a different set of randomized energy fluctuations, which provides a bitstream of essentially random and parallel nature.

In some examples, mirror cavities can be used, including either optical delay or Fabry-Perot settings. The resonator, together with the polarizing rotating element, reflects light back and forth through the birefringent material in the resonator. This allows the beam in the resonator to continuously flow along its polarization axis (along or perpendicular to the birefringence axis of the material) as it passes through the resonator. Divide. When the beam is subdivided, the energy associated with each new division is half the energy of each previous division. Such a reduction can only continue if the number of photons (an indivisible unit of energy associated with the light entering the cavity) is greater than one. When the statistical limit, i.e. the limit [E = (hω / 2π)] determined by taking the total input beam energy and dividing by the energy of a single photon, is reached, each photon in the resonator is random. Random walks when gaining lateral momentum. From this random walk, the device produces a randomized energy distribution that is later measured by a photodetector.

In another example, the resonator configuration is replaced with a multi-layer birefringence structure to create a single-pass randomization system. In such an example, the birefringence structure is formed by a plurality of abutment layers, with each subsequent layer having a birefringence axis offset from the previous incident layer. In such a configuration, light divides each surface in the same way, followed by further division of the next layer, and finally branching to generate random energy from the structure. It becomes a rotating state with respect to the layer.

According to one example, the randomized generation optical system is an optical cavity formed by a first mirror and a second mirror, the first mirror being configured to receive a beam from a beam source into the cavity. The first mirror and the second mirror are arranged so as to propagate the beam over a plurality of reciprocating traversals of the cavity, in the optical cavity and in the plurality of polarizer elements in the cavity and in the optical cavity. Because the arranged birefractive medium, which receives the beam and produces a new subdivided beam at least for each reciprocating traversal, thereby forming an increasing branched beam within the cavity. Also placed in the optical cavity in response to polarization selection or rotation induced by one or more of the multiple polarizer elements, the optical cavity is randomized after a randomization threshold number of reciprocating traversals has occurred. The cavity is configured to hold a beam and an increasing branch beam in the cavity due to the randomized threshold number of reciprocating traversal of the cavity so that the energy generated is generated in the cavity. Multiple polarizer elements and compound refraction media configured to emit the generated randomized energy from the cavity, and receive the randomized energy from the cavity and parallel-randomize the randomized energy. It is equipped with an optical detector arranged so as to convert it into an output signal.

According to another example, it is a method for generating randomization, in which the step of receiving a beam from a beam source in an optical cavity and the optical resonance of multiple reciprocating traversals of the optical cavity. In each reciprocating traversal, the step of holding the beam in the cavity and the beam being disturbed on the double-reflecting medium are subdivided into additional beams to form a branched beam in the cavity. In the step of subdividing the beam by passing the beam through the refraction medium and multiple polarizer elements, and in the step of holding the branched beam in the cavity until the threshold number of reciprocating traversal occurs in the cavity. Then, the randomized energy is generated in the cavity from the branched beam, the step, the step of detecting the randomized energy with the optical detector, and the randomization detected by the optical detector. It includes a step of generating a parallel randomized output signal from the generated energy.

The accompanying drawings incorporated into the disclosure and forming a portion thereof show various embodiments of the device. These drawings include:

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an optical system for creating randomization, by way of example. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of another optical system for creating randomization, according to another example. As an example, when a beam enters the sample material with polarization representing a "mixed quantum" state for the birefringent medium for subdivision, which is the beam as it traverses the birefringent sample as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Indicates whether it is divided in this way. A beam branching process for continuously splitting a beam in the optical systems of FIGS. 1 and 2 by way of example is shown. It is a schematic diagram of an optical system for creating randomization using a planar mirror, according to one example. Another example is a schematic of another optical system for creating randomization using a planar mirror. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a randomized energy pixel pattern on a photodetector, by way of example. FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, another randomized energy pixel pattern on a photodetector. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a birefringent medium and an optical resonator formed of segmented polarizers, according to one example. It is a figure which shows the optical system for randomization which has a Fabry-Perot configuration by one example. It is a figure which shows the optical system of single-pass for randomization by one example. By way of example, it is a schematic of a single pass optical system for creating randomization. Another example is a schematic representation of another single-pass optical system for creating randomization.

The technique applies birefringence to generate randomized energy or light output from an incident beam of light that may or may not be coherent initially. The photobirefringence phenomenon occurs when the unpolarized or polarized beam of incident light is divided into two different states, depending on the direction of the electric field in which the material is incident and the arrangement of the atomic structure of the material. Birefringent materials have already found use in random number generators in the form of beam splitters that randomly deflect a single photon in a "mixed quantum (polarized) state" in one or another direction. These devices are single-stage devices that operate on a single photon, which, as in most computational applications, is essentially practical in applications that require very large randomized bitstreams. It means that there is no such thing. Also, the technique often produces a high percentage of zero bits, which needs to be corrected, so even the randomization of a single photon at a given point in time is questionable.

FIG. 1 shows an optical system 100 having a beam source 102 and an optical resonator 104 defined by a first resonator mirror 106 and a second resonator mirror 108. The beam source 102 includes, for example, an arc lamp, a flash tube, an electric spark, an electrodeless lamp, an excima lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a high-intensity discharge lamp, a hollow cathode lamp, an induction lamp, a neon light, and an argon lamp, a plasma lamp, and a xenon. It can be a flash lamp, a light bulb that uses various filaments or gases, and even a non-coherent beam source such as sunlight. In another example, including those illustrated, is the beam source 102 a diode laser, VCSEL array, or gas tube, solid structure, optical fiber, photonic crystal, semiconductor, dye, free electron, or continuous operation (CW). It can be a coherent beam source, such as a laser, that uses other foreign media, whether pulsed (q-switched, mode-fixed, or pulse-excited). The beam source 102 may generate beam radiation in visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared, long-infrared, violet, or other suitable spectral regions. Also, in some examples, the beam source may include beam emission over multiple wavelength components, where each wavelength component can be randomly randomized separately by the optical system, for example when using multiple different photodetectors. ..

In the illustrated example, the beam source 102 enters the cavity 104 and produces a beam that is introduced into the cavity through the mirror 106, which may partially transmit the external beam or borehole. It may have (as shown), or it may collide when the beam makes a non-90 ° angle to the axis of the resonator 104. That is, in some examples, the incident beam from the beam source 102 enters through the input borehole of the first mirror 106 and exits the cavity 104 through the same input borehole. In another example, the incident beam is the opposite of the cavity, as shown in the optical system 100'of FIG. 2 (having the same reference number except for the mirror 108', which has an exit bore hole that the mirror 108 does not have). It can be exited through the exit bore hole of the side mirror 108. The input angle of the input beam and the exit angle of the randomized energy may be different in some examples and may be the same (or nearly the same) in others. The size of the exit hole can be selected to match the randomized energy beam spread generated by the optical system 100.

Resonator 104 includes calcite, quartz, ruby, rutile, sapphire, silicon carbide, tourmaline, zircon, magnesium fluoride, lithium niobate, ice, green pillar stone barium borate, bolux, epsom salt, mica-biotite, mica. -A birefringent medium 110 such as biotite, olivine, perovskite, topaz, ulexite, and materials with birefringence that can be induced through interaction with an external magnetic field. The birefringent medium 110 can be characterized by the difference between the two indices of refraction that give rise to both the fast and slow axes. These different indices of refraction split the incident beam in two. Separation of the output beam is a function of the difference between these two refractive indices _{(Δn = n e -n o)} .

The birefringent medium 110 is placed between two polarizer elements (plates) 112, which may have polarization axes aligned with each other, orthogonal to each other, or angled with respect to each other. These polarizer elements can be, for example, linear or circular polarizers. In some examples, these polarizer plates 112 are instead wave plates that provide partial polarization rotation as the beam traverses the resonator 104. In yet another example, these polarizers are rotatable elements, including, for example, an electrically rotatable liquid crystal display. That is, the polarization axis of the polarizer plate 112 can be fixed during operation to achieve randomization. On the other hand, in another example, the plate 112 may rotate during operation so that its polarization axis changes during the randomization process. As further described below, varying axes of polarization can be used, for example, to embed information within a randomized energy output.

Although not shown, in some examples, the resonator 104 informs through a photon detector embedded at a location along one of the mirror surfaces, changing the polarization of some or all of the photons in the beam. It will further include elements such as a nematic crystal gel along the surface of the birefringent material that can be used to transfer the photon, or other material that focuses or refracts the beam before leaving the cavity. These elements can be combined in layers as a single material consisting of a central birefringent material with an outer layer of polarized rotator or focusing element, or held separately in place throughout the mechanical structure. It is possible.

During operation, the mirrors 106, 108 form a reflective cavity in which the incident beam repeatedly interacts with the enclosed birefringent medium 110. Thus, the resonator 104 may be configured as an optical delay or Fabry-Perot resonator (eg, FIG. 9), primarily depending on the degree of birefringence of the central medium. The birefringent medium 110 divides the energy of the incident beam into a plurality of beams, as shown in FIG. The polarizing plate 112 rotates the polarization of the incident beam to maintain a "mixed quantum" state with respect to the birefringence axis of the medium 110, and a split beam is generated at each traversal. This configuration thus allows the beam energy to be subdivided at each traversal of the resonator 104. That is, the polarizing plate 112 may have a polarizing axis that is at an angle to the y-axis that is orthogonal to the resonator axis. For example, the polarizing plate 112 may form an angle of 22.5 ° with respect to the y-axis, but a non-zero degree acute angle may be used to create the polarization rotation. FIG. 3 shows the subdivision of the incident beam on the birefringent medium. According to one example, the incident beam is subdivided into two states, a state along the birefringence axis of the medium and a state perpendicular to the birefringence axis of the medium. When the beam in the resonator traverses the resonator, a beam branching process occurs, as shown in FIG. 4, where the resonator continuously splits the beam to produce a new polarization-based subdivided beam. do. That is, the first input beam traverses the resonator, and each round trip, or, depending on the configuration, each single trip produces an increasing number of beams, also called branched beams, as shown in FIG.

The beam exiting the birefringent medium at each traversal (see, eg, FIG. 3) is separated into two beam components with vertically polarized states. Depending on the angle of the polarization axis of the plate 112, at each traversal, the beam components are each further divided after entering the birefringent medium, and this process at least reaches the randomization threshold to generate randomized energy. Continue and grow until. In configurations such as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the polarization axes of the plate 112 are rotated relative to the polarization axes of these beam emitting beam components prior to each traversal, every one-way trip or every round trip of the resonator. The division is performed twice. However, in a configuration in which one of the polarization axes of the plate 112 is held constant along an angle of 45 ° with respect to one of the polarization axes of the beam component, the division is performed for each round trip. In addition, the amount of split in a round trip can be adjusted from one traversal to the next by controlling the operation of the polarizer or polarized rotator, for example by connecting an LC rotating element to a variable voltage source. can.

As shown in FIG. 4, at each traversal, the first beam subdivides (branches) its energy until it reaches the scale of the individual photons. When this happens, the photon acquires random lateral momentum. This causes the intensity of the beam exiting the cavity and colliding with the photodetector to vary on a scale very different from other types of variation or optical noise. This induced noise increases or decreases depending on the total beam output rather than the square root of the total output, as seen in shot noise, and the energy produced has a very clear signature, as well as a numerical value for the shot noise device. Give an advantage. The energy produced has a randomized distribution, for example, the output beam intensity in a photodetector is random (noise). With a pixelated detector, this noise appears simultaneously at each pixel and can be read in parallel.

In other words, the optical systems 100 and 100'are examples of techniques for improving the use of birefringence for the purpose of random number generation (RNG). In one encounter, as shown in FIG. 3, a beam that is initially unpolarized or in a "mixed quantum" (polarized) state that leaves the birefringent medium has two different along the axis defined by the medium. It is divided into polarized states. Reflecting this beam through the same medium usually has little additional effect, and in the case of circular birefringence, the first split may not even occur. However, the present technology provides continuous rotation of the beam in the resonator, the polarization of the beam is rotated in each traversal, and beam splitting occurs continuously in the resonator. However, as the beam split increases, the randomization threshold is reached, after which randomization energy is generated within the resonator. This randomizing energy is then utilized and used outside the cavity to generate the entire region of parallel randomization, which can be detected by a photodetector.

After a threshold number of passes through the resonator (eg E _beam- 2 ^{(number of traversals)} ), the incident beam is transformed into a randomized energy distribution, which is then taken out of the resonator 104 and light. Provided to the detector 114, for example a pixelated array photodetector.

The randomized energy distribution can be extracted from the cavity 104 through a partially reflective surface through several techniques, including apertures or boreholes, or techniques from the sides of the mirror, for example when a planar mirror is used. In the Fabry-Perot cavity configuration (see Figure 9), one cavity mirror is highly reflective, the other is partially reflective, and the partially reflective mirror is used to extract randomized energy from the cavity. The beam goes in and out through. In some implementations of the optical system 100, only randomized energy escapes from the cavity 104. In some examples external filtering can be performed on the randomized energy output from the resonator, but for example if the output has some non-random components. This filtering can be achieved through a physical filter with or outside the resonator 104. In some examples, this filtering can be done through a photodetector, for example, by setting the DC level of each pixel to a specific level, or by performing an averaging on each pixel over a predetermined period of time, or on a pixel. This can be achieved by allowing each pixel a saturation period before collecting intensity measurements.

In an optical delay-based configuration where the beam is introduced through a hole in one mirror or at an angle to the side of the mirror, as in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the beam can also escape through the entrance. Cross the resonator until it returns to the point of, or until the beam crosses the resonator and escapes through the hole or side of the opposite resonator mirror. These examples work especially well for curved mirrors.

5 and 6 show another exemplary configuration of an optical system for generating randomization. In the optical system 200 of FIG. 5, the beam source 102 provides an incident beam from outside the outer edge of the first cavity mirror 204 from an angle, and the first cavity mirror 204 is planar and also planar. The cavity 205 is defined together with the second cavity mirror 206 parallel to the first cavity mirror 204. Two polarizing plates 208 are provided that surround the birefringence medium 210. The plate 208, like the plate 112, can be a polarizer or a wave plate or a liquid crystal plate or any other suitable polarizing element having a fixed or rotatable polarization axis. These polarizers can be linear polarizers, but in another example they may be circular polarizers. In a resonator composed of planar mirrors 204 and 206, the beam simply exits the cavity due to its shape. The beam enters at a non-90 ° angle at the lower left of the resonator, then exits from the upper left after some traversals, and then a randomized energy ray is sent to the photodetector 212 connected to the image processing device 214. collide. FIG. 5 shows an optical system 200 having a photodetector 212 on one side of the system. FIG. 6 shows the photodetector 212 on the opposite side (hence labeled with 200').

Optical systems 100 and 200 generate randomized energies characterized by random statistical noise (at the square root level of the number of photons that appear), as well as random beam energies on a scale proportional to the number of photons. The beam energy fluctuates between 0 and the maximum value. To convert this optically randomized energy into a randomized digital signal, the photodetectors 114 and 212 are electrically coupled to the randomization processing devices 116 and 214, respectively. These randomized processing devices 116/214 can be implemented as processors in which photodetectors 114 and 212 (and of course 416 as well), such as readout circuits or other processors, are embedded, respectively. Alternatively, the processing device 116/214 may be a separate device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, workstation, or the like. In some examples, the processing device 116 may be coupled to the photodetector 114 via a wired or wireless connection. In some examples, the processing devices 116/214 are coupled to the photodetectors 114/212 through a communication network, for example, the processing devices 116/212 may be located on the server or elsewhere.

The pixel array of photodetectors 114/212 receives randomized energy from the resonator 104/205, and each pixel produces a "1" or "0" digital output signal. Each pixel produces an output signal in parallel, just as a group of pixels produces a parallel pixel output signal. These parallel pixel output signals can be generated continuously or at the corresponding photodetector read cycle. These parallel pixel output signals together form a parallel randomized output signal for the corresponding photodetector. For example, a 12x12 pixel array can generate up to 144 parallel output signals when fully illuminated by randomized energy, which is a parallel randomized output signal formed with 144 different values. Then the randomizing processor converts it to an N-bit random number, where N is 144 or less, for example 128 bits. FIG. 7A shows a first randomized energy pixel pattern on photodetectors 114/212. The randomized energy pattern may be read continuously, for example when a CW beam source is used, or the pattern may be read periodically when a pulse beam source is used, for example. As long as the beam is allowed to enter the resonator, the pattern will continue to change and update automatically each time the photodetector is accessed for reading, as long as the laser is powered. FIG. 7B shows another exemplary randomized energy pattern acquired at another time point.

The energy of the emitted beam is electronically recorded and converted into a series of "1" and "0" bits recorded by the processing device 116/214. The processing device 116/214 then generates a random number of N-bit length from the value recorded by the pixels of the photodetector 114/212. This bit length N may be the same as the number of pixels in the photodetector 114/212, or may be some subset of the total number of pixels. In some examples, N is ^{an integer equal to 2n} (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, etc.). The random numbers are then stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable memory of processing devices 116/214/416. Processing devices herein may include one or more memories that store instructions that can be executed by one or more processes and one or more processors. These devices may include input / output connectors for connecting to input devices (keyboards, keypads, etc.), peripherals such as displays, and portable and other processing devices. The device may include a network interface for coupling to a communication network through wired or wireless communication. The processing device 116/214 can access the photodetectors 114/212 at any desired time to obtain new random numbers when the randomization changes continuously, especially in the case of a CW operating beam source. can. It will be appreciated that the photodetector can buffer its reads so that it stores the randomized pixel values detected in memory that can be accessed by the processing device 116/214. As a further example, the techniques herein can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Suitable processors for running computer programs include, for example, both general purpose and dedicated microprocessors, and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. In general, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory, random access memory, or both. A computer includes a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. However, in general, computers also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical discs, or are operably coupled to send and receive data. Or it can be both of these. However, the computer does not need to have such a device. Also, the computer can be embedded in another device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks, magneto-optical disks. , And all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including CDROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory can be complemented or incorporated into dedicated logic circuits.

By using a pixelated photodetector to capture the energy output, the random distribution requires encryption of sensitive information, simulation of noise (eg in Monte Carlo simulation in various systems), and random number generation. Can provide a parallel set of bits for use in any application. That is, each pixel corresponds to a different random bit. Therefore, each bit of the N-bit random number is truly random.

As briefly discussed above, in some examples, the polarization axis of the polarizer element may be electrically (or mechanically) controlled to rotate during operation. The shaft can even vibrate. For example, the liquid crystal rotor may be used as the polarizing plate 112. These liquid crystal rotors can be fixed and held in polarization orientation. However, in another example, the applied voltage can be used to change the polarization axis of the element that provides additional control over beam splitting in the resonator. FIG. 1 has an exemplary waveform generator and voltage controller 118 controlled by a randomizing processing device 116 to transmit a modulated voltage signal to control the rotation of the polarizer element 112. The implementation form is shown. In such a configuration, the applied voltage can increase or decrease sinusically using the perturbation signal applied to the control voltage to cause a change in the degree of polarization rotation. The amount of rotation, the speed of rotation, and the modulated waveform are all suitable for the characteristics of the optical resonator, the round trip time of the resonator, the current number of traversals, the number of traversal thresholds required to achieve randomized energy, and so on. It can be controlled according to physical factors. The modulated voltage signal should provide information such as desired information about the randomized energy, an encoded header that can be used by a reliable receiver to authenticate a randomized number of sources, etc. , Can be controlled. In any case, even in the case where a polarizing plate or a wave plate is used, these elements can be mounted on a mounting stage in which the polarizer element can be rotated and thereby its orientation can be adjusted. Such mechanical rotation may be manual or electrical control over the mounting stage.

In examples such as these, when the actual polarization orientation of the polarizer element is adjusted, this adjustment is continuous or periodic, and the resonator round trip time, amount of birefringence, and other factors. It can be done at a fixed time according to the situation. Such control over polarization orientation may introduce what is called a cyclostationary signal superimposed on the random output. This cyclostationary signal can be, for example, a modulated signal embedded in the randomized energy generated by the optical system.

Polarized rotators may be implemented as a pair of rotators on either side of the birefringent medium 210, as in the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2, or these may be an exemplary implementation of a segmented polarized rotator 300. May be separated into several segments that block the path of the beam through the resonator, as shown in FIG. The two planar mirrors 302 and 304 surround the birefringent medium 306. Crossing the surface of at least one of the mirrors is a plurality of polarized rotator segments 308 (only representative numbers of these are shown), each resonating between the two mirrors 302, 304. Arranged to interact with the incident beam corresponding to a particular traversal of the vessel. Each traversal experiences a polarized rotator segment as the beam climbs the diameter of the mirror. Depending on the shape, some beams may collide with the same polarized rotator 308 over multiple traversals before traversing well towards the next polarized rotator segment 308. In the segmentation approach, each polarization rotator segment 308 may perform the same operation to produce the same polarization rotation, or each may be individually controlled. The size of segment 308 can be set based on the beam shape and width and the number of traversals to reach the randomization threshold. When implemented as a liquid crystal display or otherwise, the segment 308 has a mechanical structure that separates the segments to maximize the incidence of the beam spot at the center of the segment and as determined by the angle of incidence. Can be implemented. Although not shown, matching pairs of segments can also be formed for the mirror 304.

In any case, the optical systems herein that use rotating polarizers are modulated over any cyclostationary signal, the randomized energy (noise) that is embedded in the final output and used to encode the bits. It is possible to control the strength of the signal. As one or more of the polarizers change, an additional feature is the ability to modulate the noise generated by the optical system. The cyclostationary signal allows the user to transmit modulated noise at a predetermined frequency. The receiver detects this noise modulation to determine if the signal received following the noise was transmitted by a particular sender. In an optical system, at least one of the rotors can rotate continuously during randomization. In another example, two or more rotors (if segmented) rotate continuously during randomization.

The resulting duplicate signal (periodic stationary signal) may provide a way to authenticate the recipient of the encrypted information through verification of transmission at a previously assigned or agreed frequency. For example, the transmitting station may include an optical system randomizer as described herein. This transmitter generates random numbers and then, whether the network is protected, unprotected, or partially protected, for example, over a wired electrical connection or over the network. This random number can be transmitted to the receiving station through the connection. Random numbers can be transmitted with secondary data determined from the cyclostationary signal embedded in the original randomized energy used to generate the random numbers. This secondary data can be embedded in the random number in such a way that no third party can detect which part of the random number contains the secondary data. However, an authenticated receiver with that secondary data, such as a receiver who knows the waveform used to modulate the polarization axis during the randomization process, is from a transmitting station where the number is valid. Secondary data in random numbers can be identified for verification purposes to ensure that they are present. That is, the exact overlapping (or perturbing) waveform applied to the voltage, whether sinusoidal or not, can be communicated separately from the transmitting device or source. Alternatively, in another example, the receiver device may store the duplicated waveform and use that waveform to decode the received signal. The duplicate sinusoidal signal can be further used to alert the recipient of any threat or to perform a quick check of the equipment in the field to access the randomization process.

FIG. 9 shows another optical system 400 with a Fabry-Perot configuration. The (=) input beam from a beam source (not shown) collides with a first focused mirror 402 that is partially reflective and forms a resonator 404 with the second partially reflected mirror 406. Therefore, the input beam is introduced into the cavity 404 through the partial reflectivity of the mirror, not through the borehole. The same is true for the randomized energies generated and how they exit. In the illustrated example, the reflectance of the mirror 402 may be substantially higher than the reflectance of the mirror 406. The polarizer plate 408 is shown on the opposite side of the birefringence sample 410. The randomized energy output is supplied to the photodetector 412 coupled to the randomized processing device 416.

Randomization based on photobirefringence used to redistribute the photon energy of a light beam (eg, a laser beam or any other light source) through birefringence splitting that occurs each time the beam traversal passes through the optical system. Has shown the generator. Beam polarization is rotated using optics, also located within the cavity, to ensure perpass splitting. Rotors, including but not limited to liquid crystals (LC), can be used to maintain the "mixed quantum" state required for operation. The split induces randomization of beam energy when the statistical limit of the number of photons associated with the incident beam source is reached. In one example, if the input beam 1W is used, available approximately 6 * ^{10 18} photons, total energy birefringent material with traversal 63 times ² 63 (6 ^{* 10 + 18)} times divided After that, any photon that remains in the resonator and continuously rotates into a mixed state is randomly lateral so that the output energy distribution does not retain any of the original predictable coherent properties of the input beam. Start gaining momentum (ie, random walk). The number of traversals required to reach this randomization threshold is determined by _{E beam} to 2 ^{(number of traversals).}

Therefore, the present technology i) the generated sequence, which provides true randomness independent of the pseudo-random mathematical algorithm, ii) the randomization (for parallel computation) which can be read on the optical detector. Important) parallel bitstreams, iii) very fast bit generation (mainly limited by read time from detectors), as required for many industrial purposes, and iv) other types of random numbers It is possible to generate a modulated signal or the ability to change the rotation of the polarization of the beam source to provide periodic constantness, which is not available in the generator.

In another example, the resonator configuration is replaced with a multi-layer birefringence structure to create a single-pass randomization system as shown in FIG. In system 500, the birefringence structure 502 is formed by a plurality of contact layers, each subsequent layer having a birefringence axis offset from the previous incident layer. In such a configuration, the beam divides each surface in the same way, followed by further division of the next layer, and finally branching to generate random energy from the structure. It becomes a rotating state with respect to the layer. The stratification of structure 502 may further include a large liquid crystal display, or other controlled polarizers embedded in the layer, for the layered system 500 to generate branches leading to a random walk.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a single-pass randomization system. As shown in FIG. 11, the optical system 1100 includes a beam source 1102 and a multilayer birefringent structure 1104 defined by a series of layers of birefringent material. The beam source 1102 creates a beam that is incident on the multi-layer birefringence structure 1104 and passes through each subsequent layer in the multi-layer birefringence structure 1104 as random energy before exiting the multi-layer birefringence structure 1104. The randomized energy distribution is then extracted from the multi-layer birefringence structure 1104 into a photodetector 1106 (eg, a pixelated array photodetector) for the distribution of a number of simultaneous random streams. Provided. The input angle of the input beam and the exit angle of the randomized energy may be different in some examples and may be the same (or nearly the same) in others. The size of the exit beam can be selected to match the randomized energy beam spread generated by the optical system 1100.

The beam source 1102 includes, for example, an arc lamp, a flash tube, an electric spark, an electrodeless lamp, an excima lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a high-intensity discharge lamp, a hollow cathode lamp, an induction lamp, a neon light, and an argon lamp, a plasma lamp, and a xenon. It can be a flash lamp, a light bulb that uses various filaments or gases, and even a non-coherent beam source such as sunlight. In some examples, the beam source 1102 is a diode laser, VCSEL array, or gas tube, solid structure, optical fiber, photonic crystal, semiconductor, dye, free electron, or continuously operating or (CW) pulsed. It can be a coherent beam source, such as a laser, that uses other foreign media, regardless of (q-switched, mode-fixed, or pulse-excited). The beam source 1102 may generate beam radiation in visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared, long-infrared, purple, or other suitable spectral regions. Also, in some examples, the beam source may include beam emission over multiple wavelength components, where each wavelength component can be randomly randomized separately by the optical system, for example when using multiple different photodetectors. ..

The layer of birefringent structure 1104 is composed of birefringent materials (eg, calcite, quartz, ruby, rutile, sapphire, silicon carbide, tourmaline, zircon, magnesium fluoride, lithium niobate, ice, barium green pillar borate, bolux, etc. It can be composed of Epsom salt, mica-biotite, mica-muscovite, olivine, perobskite, topaz, birefringence, etc.). In another example, the layer of birefringent structure 1104 is a material that can be induced to be birefringent with respect to light (transition metal, plastic, or other material that can be stretched along one direction to induce birefringence). It can be composed of a homogeneous film).

To ensure that as the photons of the beam leave one layer of birefringent structure 1104, they enter the next layer in a "mixed quantum" state, the layers of birefringent structure 1104 are polarized in alternating directions. Can be configured to have. For example, the birefringence axis of each layer may rotate from the axis of each subsequent layer in a direction perpendicular to the light generated from the beam source 1102 (eg, 45 degrees). Alternatively, for example, in a configuration in which all birefringence axes are aligned, the birefringence layers of structure 1104 are located between each birefringence layer such that the angle of the polarizer axis rotates with respect to the birefringence angle of the birefringence material. May include a polarizer inserted in. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the polarizer 1108 is inserted between each layer of the birefringent structure 1104. Optionally, the polarizer 1108 may be further utilized to calibrate or impose the signature of a particular device, which has several uses in cryptography. For example, by imposing a signature on the control of the polarizer axis through modulation, a physically unclonable function (PUF) in the form of the embedded signal is given to the photon emission across the birefringent structure. The polarizer 1108 can be controlled, for example, via a mechanical gear system configured to rotate the polarizing layer to leave the birefringent material in place. Alternatively, the polarizer 1108 may be controlled by a liquid crystal display operated by the applied voltage. In either case, the controller 1110 coupled to the polarizer 1108 controls the polarization axis. The polarizer 1108 may be separated from the birefringent layers of structure 1104 and placed between them, or each layer may be formed using an integrated polarizer (not shown). In either case, photons from one layer enter the next layer with polarization not along either birefringence axis.

The beam exiting each layer of the multilayer birefringent structure 1104 is separated into two beam components having a vertically polarized state. In each layer, each of these beam components undergoes further division after entering the next birefringent layer. This process continues and grows at least until the randomization threshold is reached and randomized energy is generated. The amount of division in a single layer is, for example, by controlling the thickness of each layer, the angle of each layer's birefringence or polarization axis with respect to the previous layer, and / or the angle of incidence of light entering the system. Can be adjusted.

Generally speaking, even passing the light beam through a single birefringence layer (eg, a single layer of calcite) leads to some degree of quantum randomness, with more layers generally having the light beam in each layer. The degree of quantum randomness increases because more beams split as they pass through. Also, increasing the number of layers tends to reduce the effect of classical noise sources (eg, temperature fluctuations, electrical interference, stray electromagnetic fields, etc.) on the resulting randomness. That is, as the number of layers increases, the noise from random walks of photons can increase compared to the noise from such classical noise sources. In one example, only eight layers of 1 mm thick calcite (with a birefringence of 0.172) can be used to increase the noise from a random walk of photons to the level of other noise sources. However, when using materials with low birefringence, thicker layers or additional layers may be used to reach the same level of noise due to the random walk of photons. Similarly, when using materials with high birefringence, such as transition metals or calcite, thinner or fewer layers may be used to reach the same level of noise due to the random walk of photons.

As an additional consideration, thicker layers, more layers, and / or increasing spacing between them may result in a thicker multilayer birefringent structure 1104. As a result, devices containing a very thick multilayer birefringence structure 1104 are fairly large and may be limited to use in clusters, high performance computers (HPCs), or other fairly large machines, and thinner multilayer birefringence. A device containing structure 1104 (eg, composed of transition metal or calcite) would be more suitable for personal use. In addition, layers made of highly birefringent transition metals can optionally be thin enough to enable a true chip-scale random number generator device.

After the beam has passed the layer threshold number of birefringence structure 1104 (eg, E _beam- 2 ^{(number of traversals)} ), the incident beam is transformed into a randomized energy distribution. The randomness of the randomized energy distribution can be both spatial and temporal. That is, the photon begins with a Gaussian beam, which is coherent, has a well-known spatial position, and is temporally correlated. When the beam interacts with the birefringence layer, the photons scatter in response to polarization so that they appear randomly both spatially and temporally.

The randomized energy distribution is then extracted from the multilayer birefringence structure 1104 and provided to a photodetector 1106 (eg, a pixelated array photodetector). As a result, when photons are collected in a 2D array on a photon detector, the stored energy exhibits large and random intensity variations (ie, a Gaussian distribution, unlike the original beam, which has different intensities from position to position. Is out of the well-defined center). For example, a pixelated optical detector is then converted to a parallel randomized output signal from which the processor can generate N-bit random numbers.

In some cases, the detector that receives the randomized energy distribution may vary depending on the intended result, for example, generating a quantum random number with noise above a certain level, embedding a signal, and so on. Also, in some examples, a 2D array photodetector may be used to instantly capture random numbers (eg, 12x12 with randomness equal to 144 pixels and 144 bits of random numbers or words. In another example, a single detector can be configured to record a time frame long enough to measure 144 bits of the detected random photons.

Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement the components, behaviors, or structures described as a single instance. Although the individual actions of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate actions, one or more of the individual actions may be performed simultaneously and the actions need not be performed in the order shown. Structures and functions presented as separate components in an exemplary configuration may be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other modifications, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter herein.

In addition, certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or some routines, subroutines, applications, or instructions. These may constitute either software (eg, code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmitted signal) or hardware. In hardware, routines and the like are tangible units that can perform specific actions and can be configured or arranged in specific ways. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more computer systems (eg, stand-alone, client, or server computer systems) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (eg, processors or groups of processors) are described herein. It may be configured by software (eg, an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform a particular operation as described in.

In various embodiments, the hardware module can be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may be a dedicated circuit or a dedicated circuit that is permanently configured to perform a particular operation (eg, as a dedicated processor such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Can have logic. Hardware modules may also include programmable logic or circuits that are temporarily configured by software to perform a particular operation (eg, contained within a general purpose processor or other programmable processor). The decision to mechanically implement a hardware module in a dedicated, permanently configured circuit, or in a temporarily configured (eg, software-configured) circuit is driven by cost and time considerations. It will be understood that it can be done.

Therefore, the term "hardware module" should be understood to include tangible entities, which are described herein in a particular manner or to perform a particular action. As such, it is physically constructed, permanently configured (eg, wiring connections) (eg, wiring connections), or temporarily configured (eg, programmed). Given an embodiment in which a hardware module is temporarily configured (eg, programmed), each of the hardware modules does not need to be configured or instantiated at any point in time. For example, when a hardware module comprises a general purpose processor configured using software, the general purpose processor can be configured as different hardware modules at different times. Thus, software may configure a processor, for example, to configure a particular module at a given point in time and a different hardware module at a different point in time.

A hardware module can provide information to and receive information from another hardware module. Therefore, the hardware modules described can be considered communicably coupled. When a plurality of such hardware modules exist at the same time, communication can be realized through signal transmission (eg, via appropriate circuits and buses) connecting the hardware modules. In embodiments where multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communication between such hardware modules is, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in a memory structure accessible to the multiple hardware modules. It can be realized. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in communicably coupled memory devices. Further hardware modules may then later access memory devices to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communication with input or output devices and may operate on resources (eg, collected information).

The various actions of the exemplary methods described herein are, at least in part, temporarily or permanently configured (eg, by software) to perform related actions. It can be executed by one or more processors. Such processors, whether temporarily or permanently configured, may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may include processor-mounted modules in some exemplary embodiments.

Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be processor-implemented, at least in part. For example, at least some of the operations of the method can be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented hardware modules. The execution of a particular operation can be distributed not only within a single machine, but also among one or more processors deployed across multiple machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors may be located in a single location (eg, in a home environment, in an office environment, or as a server farm), in another embodiment. Processors may be distributed in several locations.

The execution of a particular operation can be distributed not only within a single machine, but also among one or more processors deployed across multiple machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor implementation modules may be located in a single geographic location (eg, in a home environment, office environment, or server farm). In another embodiment, one or more processors or processor-mounted modules may be distributed in several geographic locations.

Unless otherwise stated, such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "presenting," "displaying," etc. The description herein using words describes one or more memories (eg, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other machines that receive, store, transmit, or display information. It can refer to the operation or process of a machine (eg, a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as a physical (eg, electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantity within a component.

As used herein, reference to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" is an embodiment of at least one particular element, feature, structure, or property described in connection with that embodiment. It means that it is included in the form. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various parts of the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expressions "join" and "connect" with these derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term "bonding" to indicate that the two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term "coupling" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but are still linked or interacting with each other. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "includes", "has", "Having", or any other variation of these, is intended to extend to non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or device that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to these elements alone and is not explicitly listed or contained in such a process, method, article, or device. It may contain other elements that are not unique. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to be the opposite, "or" refers to an inclusive OR rather than an exclusive OR. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or nonexistent), A is false (or nonexistent) and B is true (or present). ), And both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, the use of "a" or "an" has been adopted to describe the elements and components of embodiments herein. This is done solely for convenience and to give the general meaning of the description. This description, and the following claims, should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is clear that it has a different meaning.

This detailed description should be construed as merely an example and does not describe all possible embodiments, as it is not practical, if not impossible, to describe all possible embodiments. .. Many alternative embodiments can be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this application.

Claims (20)

A birefringent structure configured to receive a beam from a beam source, wherein the birefringent structure includes a plurality of layers.
A plurality of polarizers arranged between each of the plurality of layers of the birefringent structure.
The plurality of polarizers arranged between the layer of the birefringent structure and the plurality of layers of the birefringent structure divide the beam as it propagates through the birefringent structure, and the beam is gradually branched. With multiple polarizers arranged to form a beam,
A controller coupled to the plurality of polarizers and configured to control the polarization axes of the plurality of polarizers.
A randomized generation optical system comprising a photodetector arranged to receive the randomized energy generated by the branched beam exiting the birefringent structure and convert the randomized energy into a parallel randomized output signal. .. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein each layer has a birefringence axis deviated from the birefringence axis of each previous layer. Each layer of the birefringence structure has a birefringence axis aligned with the birefringence axis of each layer in front of the birefringence structure.
The plurality of polarizing elements have a polarization axis rotated with respect to the aligned birefringence axis of the layer of the birefringence structure.
The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein each polarizer is separated from each layer of the birefringent structure. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein each polarizer is attached to a layer of the birefringent structure to form an integrated polarizer. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is a mechanical gear system configured to rotate the polarizer independently of the layer of the birefringence structure. The randomized generation optical system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises one or more liquid crystals configured to be manipulated by an applied voltage. The randomized generation optical system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the polarization axis of the polarizer so as to impose a signature of a particular device on the beam. The randomized generation optical system of claim 8, wherein the signature is a physically unclonable function (PUF) in the form of an embedded signal. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein each layer of the birefringent structure has a thickness of at least 1 mm. The randomized generation optical system according to claim 1, wherein the layer of the birefringent structure is a layer of calcite. A method for generating randomization, wherein the method is
A step of receiving a beam from a beam source into a birefringent structure comprising a plurality of layers, where each layer has a birefringent axis deviated from the birefringent axis of each of the previous layers, and the polarizer has the birefringence. The steps, which are arranged between each layer of the structure,
A step of controlling the movement of the polarizer by a controller coupled to the polarizer,
By passing the beam through the layer and the polarizer of the birefringence structure so that the beam imminent in the birefringence structure is subdivided into additional beams to collectively form a progressively branched beam. , The step of subdividing the beam,
A step of detecting the randomized energy generated by the branched beam exiting the birefringent structure with a photodetector.
A method comprising the step of generating a parallel randomized output signal from the randomized energy detected by the photodetector. Each layer of the birefringence structure has a birefringence axis aligned with the birefringence axis of each layer in front of the birefringence structure.
The plurality of polarizing elements have a polarization axis rotated with respect to the aligned birefringence axis of the layer of the birefringence structure.
The method for generating the randomization according to claim 12. The method for generating randomization according to claim 12, wherein each polarizer is separated from each layer of the birefringent structure. The method for generating randomization according to claim 12, wherein each polarizer is attached to a layer of the birefringent structure to form an integral polarizer. The method for generating randomization according to claim 12, further comprising controlling the polarization axis of the polarizer so as to impose the signature of a particular device on the beam. The method for generating randomization according to claim 16, wherein the signature is a physically unclonable function (PUF) in the form of an embedded signal. The method for generating randomization according to claim 12, wherein each layer of the birefringent structure has a thickness of at least 1 mm. A birefringent structure configured to receive a beam from a beam source, said birefringent structure comprising a plurality of layers.
Each layer has a birefringence axis having an alternating direction of polarization from the birefringence axis of each previous layer so that the photons of the beam enter each layer in a mixed quantum state.
Each layer of the birefringent structure is arranged to divide the beam as it propagates through the birefringent structure to form a gradual birefringent beam.
A randomized generation optical system comprising a photodetector arranged to receive the randomized energy generated by the branched beam exiting the birefringent structure and convert the randomized energy into a parallel randomized output signal. .. The randomized generation optical system of claim 19, wherein the birefringence axis of each layer is rotated 45 degrees from the birefringence axis of each previous layer.

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