Exploiting a Multi-Mode Laser in Homodyne Detection for Vacuum-Fluctuation-Based Quantum Random Number Generator

To realize a vacuum-fluctuation-based quantum random number generator (QRNG), various implementations can be explored to improve efficiency and practicality. In this study, we employed a multi-mode (MM) laser as the local oscillator in a vacuum-fluctuation QRNG and compared its performance with that of a conventional single-mode (SM) laser. Despite experiencing frequency-mode hopping, the MM laser successfully interfered with the vacuum state, similar to the SM reference. The common-mode rejection ratio of the balanced homodyne detection setup exceeded 35 dB for all laser sources. The digitized raw data were processed with a cryptographic hash function to generate full-entropy data. These outputs passed both the independent and identically distributed test recommended in NIST SP 800-90B and the statistical test suite under the SP 800-22 guideline, confirming their quality as quantum random numbers. Our results demonstrate that full-entropy data derived from either SM or MM lasers are applicable to systems requiring high-quality randomness, such as quantum key distribution. This study represents the first demonstration of an MM-laser-based vacuum-fluctuation QRNG, achieving a generation rate of 10 Gbps and indicating potential for compact and practical implementation.