High-Speed QRNG Based on Phase Noise of VCSEL and DFB Laser

Authors

Karina Razzhivina ¹ , Yakov Kovach ^1, ² , Anton Kovalev ¹ , Evgenii Kolodeznyi ¹

¹ Institute of Advanced Data Transfer Systems, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr., 49, lit. A, St. Petersburg, 197101, Russia

² Ioffe Institute, Polytechnicheskaya st., 26, St. Petersburg, 194021, Russia

10.17586/2687-0568-2025-7-3-148-154

Rev. Adv. Mater. Technol., 2025, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 148–154

Abstract

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) are crucial for cryptography and secure data transfer; however, existing implementations often compromise between speed, cost, and complexity. In this paper we present QRNG based on a phase noise of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) heterodyned with distributed feedback (DFB) laser, that combines the ultra-narrow linewidth and stability of DFB lasers with the high entropy phase noise of VCSELs at 1550 nm. We characterize optical beats of the setup and implement the XOR post-processing algorithm to suppress correlations when the signal is digitized, achieving random bit generation at 12 Gbps. The generated sequences pass NIST SP 800- 22 tests while operating at low bias currents and with high stability, therefore, it can be successfully implemented into quantum key distribution systems that demand both speed and reliability

Keywords

Quantum random number generation; VCSEL; DFB-laser; Phase noise

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History

Receive Date: 30 May 2025

Accepted Date: 13 August 2025

Available online: 15 August 2025

© 2025 ITMO University.
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