Swiss Researchers Build a Generator for Perfectly Random Numbers

Breakthrough at ETH Zurich: A New Standard for Randomness

According to НВ — Техно: A team from ETH Zurich has published a study in the journal Nature that marks a major advance in creating devices capable of generating pure random numbers. Their system relies on Bell’s quantum test and randomness amplification technology, producing results that are completely independent of the hardware used. This is a key distinction in the field, as traditional random number generators often have subtle biases tied to their physical components.

How the Experiment Worked

The researchers built a setup featuring two quantum qubits placed 30 meters apart. To ensure precise measurements, the qubits were cooled to temperatures extremely close to absolute zero. The team then performed Bell’s test-a series of measurements on entangled particles-collecting data from a single experimental run.

Over the course of nine hours, the scientists conducted more than one billion tests, demonstrating both the high throughput and reliability of their device. By applying randomness amplification, they achieved outputs that, according to the authors, are entirely device-independent. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for using quantum technologies to generate random numbers, with direct implications for cryptography and other scientific fields.

The study highlights the growing role of quantum technologies in information security, as random numbers are essential for cryptographic systems. Improving how we generate these numbers can significantly strengthen data protection in the digital age. Moreover, the success of this setup may inspire further research into quantum computing and its applications across science and industry.

As advancements in quantum technology continue to unfold, the recent development at ETH Zurich is not an isolated case. A similar experiment involving two quantum chips connected by a 30-meter pipe has also demonstrated the potential for generating certifiably random numbers. This parallel research underscores the importance of exploring various methodologies in the quest for enhanced randomness, which is crucial for secure cryptographic systems.