Muon-Ra: Quantum random number generation from cosmic rays

Homer Gamil, Pranav Mehta, Eduardo Chielle, Adriano Di Giovanni, Mohammed Nabeel, Francesco Arneodo, Michail Maniatakos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) are the cornerstone of modern cryptographic applications. In this work, we present the first quantum1 random number generator based on muon detection. The proposed implementation utilizes silicon photomultipliers and plastic scintillators to convert the time interval between crossing muons to random bits. Compared to the state-of-the-art, this design operates using a passive entropy source, scaling down its power consumption significantly. Additionally, the proposed muon-based TRNG can be fully integrated in modern computer hardware, making it suitable for low-power embedded device applications. We evaluate the proposal on its throughput and ability to pass standard randomness tests. Our method is successful in passing the NIST STS SP 800-22 and Dieharder evaluations. Finally, the implementation is compared to other well-established methods of generating random numbers.1We use the term 'quantum' to denote the utilization of elementary particles as the output generation source, and not necessarily their properties, similar to related work [1], [2].

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2020 26th IEEE International Symposium on On-Line Testing and Robust System Design, IOLTS 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781728181875
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020
Event26th IEEE International Symposium on On-Line Testing and Robust System Design, IOLTS 2020 - Virtual, Online, Italy
Duration: Jul 13 2020Jul 16 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2020 26th IEEE International Symposium on On-Line Testing and Robust System Design, IOLTS 2020

Conference

Conference26th IEEE International Symposium on On-Line Testing and Robust System Design, IOLTS 2020
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/13/207/16/20

Keywords

  • Cosmic Ray Detector
  • Muon decay
  • True Random Number Generator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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