Optical random number generator and method for generating a random number
An optical random number generator has: a light source ( 2 ) for randomly emitting photons ( 9 ); an array ( 3 ) of single photon avalanche diodes for detecting the photons ( 9 ) provided by the light source ( 2 ), wherein the array ( 3 ) of single photon avalanche diodes is positioned in a predefined distance (d) to the light source ( 2 ); and a control ( 10 ) coupled to the array ( 3 ) of single photon avalanche diodes and for determining an arrival time of the photons ( 9 ) detected by each of the single photon avalanche diodes of the array ( 3 ) of single photon avalanche diodes, and for generating a random number on the basis of the arrival time.
1. An optical random number generator, comprising:
a light source configured to randomly emit photons;
an array of single photon avalanche diodes configured to detect the photons emitted directly from the light source, wherein the array of single photon avalanche diodes is positioned in a predefined distance to the light source; and
a control coupled to the array of single photon avalanche diodes and configured to determine an arrival time of the photons detected by each of the single photon avalanche diodes of the array of single photon avalanche diodes; and
generate a random number on the basis of the arrival time.
2. The optical random number generator of claim 1 , wherein the light source includes a light emitting diode.
3. The optical random number generator of claim 1 , wherein the light source includes laser diode.
4. The optical random number generator of claim 1 , wherein the control is further configured to correct for errors origin from a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
5. The optical random number generator of claim 1 , wherein the control is further configured to detect a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
6. The optical random number generator of claim 5 , wherein the control is further configured to detect a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode on the basis of the determined arrival time.
7. The optical random number generator of claim 6 , wherein the control is further configured to generate a notification in case of a detected malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
8. The optical random number generator of claim 1 , wherein the control is further configured to output digital random number data.
9. The optical random number generator of claim 8 , wherein the control is further configured to adapt a data rate of the output digital random number data.
10. The optical random number generator of claim 9 , wherein the control is further configured to selectively control the single photon avalanche diodes of the array of single photon avalanche diodes.
11. A method for generating a random number, comprising:
controlling a light source to randomly emit photons;
controlling an array of single photon avalanche diodes to detect the photons emitted directly from the light source, wherein the array of single photon avalanche diodes is positioned in a predefined distance to the light source;
determining an arrival time of the photons detected by each of the single photon avalanche diodes of the array of single photon avalanche diodes; and
generating a random number on the basis of the arrival time.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the light source includes a light emitting diode.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the light source includes laser diode.
14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising correcting for errors origin from a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
15. The method of claim 11 , further comprising detecting a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising detecting a malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode on the basis of the determined arrival time.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising generating a notification in case of a detected malfunction of a single photon avalanche diode.
18. The method of claim 11 , further comprising outputting digital random number data.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising adapting a data rate of the output digital random number data.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising selectively control the single photon avalanche diodes of the array of single photon avalanche diodes.