Green InGaN LED-based quantum random number generation compatible with silicon avalanche photodiodes

Random number generation is a fundamental task for modern cryptography, secure communications, and stochastic computing. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) provide inherently unpredictable data derived from quantum physical processes and therefore offer stronger security guarantees than classical approaches. However, some optical QRNGs rely on blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which suffer from reduced spectral matching with commonly used silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs). This mismatch restricts the achievable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limits the extractable quantum entropy. Here, we demonstrate a spontaneous emission-based QRNG employing a green InGaN LED coupled to a silicon APD. The improved spectral overlap between the emitted light and the APD responsivity results in a significantly higher SNR than with previously reported blue LEDs operating at similar electrical power levels. The measured signal is first filtered with a high-pass filter to suppress low-frequency noise, then randomness is extracted using the SHAKE256 hash function. A detailed statistical and spectral analysis is performed to evaluate the extractable entropy of the generated data. A physically reasonable estimation yields a quantum entropy generation rate of 2.78 Gbit/s. These results establish longer-wavelength nitride-based LEDs as a more suitable entropy source for QRNG systems, using inexpensive and widely available silicon photodiodes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Optics Express
Published
2026-04-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.590381
Primary Topic
Chaos-based Image/Signal Encryption
Type
article
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article

Green InGaN LED-based quantum random number generation compatible with silicon avalanche photodiodes

I. Kotov, Tien Khee Ng, Daisuke Iida Iida, Heming Lin et al.
Optics Express
Chaos-based Image/Signal Encryption
article

Green InGaN LED-based quantum random number generation compatible with silicon avalanche photodiodes

I. Kotov, Tien Khee Ng, Daisuke Iida Iida, Heming Lin, Wenqing Niu, Hao-chung Kuo, Boon Ooi
article en

Abstract

Random number generation is a fundamental task for modern cryptography, secure communications, and stochastic computing. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) provide inherently unpredictable data derived from quantum physical processes and therefore offer stronger security guarantees than classical approaches. However, some optical QRNGs rely on blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which suffer from reduced spectral matching with commonly used silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs). This mismatch restricts the achievable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limits the extractable quantum entropy. Here, we demonstrate a spontaneous emission-based QRNG employing a green InGaN LED coupled to a silicon APD. The improved spectral overlap between the emitted light and the APD responsivity results in a significantly higher SNR than with previously reported blue LEDs operating at similar electrical power levels. The measured signal is first filtered with a high-pass filter to suppress low-frequency noise, then randomness is extracted using the SHAKE256 hash function. A detailed statistical and spectral analysis is performed to evaluate the extractable entropy of the generated data. A physically reasonable estimation yields a quantum entropy generation rate of 2.78 Gbit/s. These results establish longer-wavelength nitride-based LEDs as a more suitable entropy source for QRNG systems, using inexpensive and widely available silicon photodiodes.

Optics ExpressVol. 34(9)
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (TW)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 27%
Chaos-based Image/Signal Encryption
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Green InGaN LED-based quantum random number generation compatible with silicon avalanche photodiodes — I. Kotov, Tien Khee Ng, et al. · Optics Express (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS