QRNG Chips Become First QRNGs to be ESV Certified

With the news that the first QRNG chips to get the ESV certificate, let’s take a look at what QRNG is, how this breakthrough came about, and its potential impact on the future.

What is QRNG? 

QRNG stands for quantum random number generation. Put simply, random number generators (RNGs) are traditional either software- and algorithm-based pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) or hardware-based true random number generators (TRNGs). Either way, this technology generates a sequence of random numbers that are not predetermined.

These RNGs have long since been used in a multitude of applications, such as statistical and theoretical research, and, most commonly, to create online slot games. In this case, the RNGs digitize the luck and randomness of spinning the reels, making the gameplay more fair and authentic. Taking this even further, RNGs are the backbone of Megaways™ slot games, as they not only determine where the icons land on the reels, but also how many icons appear on the reels for each spin. This is known as a random reel modifier, which makes the game more random and unique. 

Though traditional RNGs are effective for these applications, other uses like cryptography require something even more random. With this in mind, QRNGs utilize the multiplicity and literal unpredictability of quantum mechanics to generate random numbers. A light source is shone through a material, at which point it is simultaneously reflected and refracted. When the signal is finally detected at the back, its positioning produces a ‘random bit’ of 1 or 0. This makes QRNGs nigh on impossible to predict as they do not seem to have any pattern. 

First QRNGs to Receive ESV Certification 

In 2023, QRNGs chips from ID Quantique became the first QRNG solution to be granted an Entropy Source Validation (ESV) certificate on the Independent and Identically Distributed (IID) estimation track by the National Institute of Standards (NIST). This certification is a requirement for the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) and for solutions hoping for FIPS 140-3 approval. 

In layman’s terms, this means that the random bits that are generated by the Quantis QRNG chips are not dependent on one another, and have an even distribution. This means that the binary digits of 0 and 1 have the same chance of being generated by the QRNG.

ID Quantique has managed to achieve this by making use of the fluctuating photons in the machine. The number of photons from the initial light source will naturally fluctuate, which is known as ‘quantum shot noise’. This randomness is due to the randomness set out in the laws of quantum physics, which also means it won’t be disturbed or disrupted by environmental factors. As such, this makes the Quantis QRNG chip robust and dependable. 

This signals the next generation for QRNGs, as it is certified as suitable for even the most secure applications. This could have a positive impact on a wide range of devices in everything from motoring to computing, space communications, emergency communications infrastructure, and the Internet of Things (IoT), including smart appliances, home security, wearable technology, and plug-in devices. 

Overall, this breakthrough for QRNG technology could have a huge impact on both intricate and everyday technology, improving security and reliability of the devices. With this in mind, all that’s left to do is to see just what kind of impact this advancement will make.