The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) has unveiled the Q-Dice quantum random number generator. The system generates truly random numbers based on quantum vacuum fluctuations and achieves a random bit rate of 4.1 Gbit/s. Unlike algorithmic random number generators, Q-Dice utilizes physical quantum effects that are considered intrinsically random.

The random numbers generated are suitable for, among other things, cryptographic methods, secure communication, data encryption—for example, in the fields of quantum key distribution (QKD) or post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—authentication, access management, and large-scale simulations.

Security Standards and Deployment

According to the institute, the quality of the random numbers was verified using the BSI AIS 20/31 test procedures and the NIST SP 800-22 test suite. The system meets the requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), is rated at EAL3 level, and is classified as a PTG.3-class physical random number generator.

Q-Dice is available in two versions: as all-in-one hardware in a 19-inch rack format with a 10 Gbit/s Ethernet interface, and as an online service that allows users to access quantum-generated random numbers without needing their own hardware. “With Q-Dice, we are making high-quality quantum randomness practical and accessible,” says Dr. Alexander Noack, Head of the Data Communication & Computing Division at Fraunhofer IPMS.

One-Stop Development

According to Fraunhofer IPMS, all components were developed in-house. These include laser and optical front-end systems, a low-noise analog front-end section for detecting quantum vacuum fluctuations, high-speed data acquisition using analog-to-digital converters, FPGA-based randomness extraction, and system integration with high-throughput interfaces, including 10 Gbit/s Ethernet.