Proof-of-principle implementation of a quantum random number generator with independent devices and a dimension witness

Opt Lett. 2017 Oct 15;42(20):4139-4142. doi: 10.1364/OL.42.004139.

Abstract

The random number is a paramount issue in modern science. How to estimate the genuine randomness of the data generated by a given device is a central problem. Lunghi et al. proposed a self-testing quantum random number generator from a prepare-and-measure scenario with independent devices. Based on this Letter, Han et al. proposed a more efficient method (Han16 protocol for short) to estimate the genuine randomness. Here we report a proof-of-principle realization of the Han16 protocol with a HSPS. The experimental results demonstrate that the Han16 protocol almost doubles the generation rate of the quantum random number with regard to the previous protocol. In addition, the results of the experiment show that the Han16 protocol is practical, and the experimental device can tolerate loss and noise.