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LavaRnd: A Open Source Project for Truly Random Numbers
Phil Windley writes "Truly random numbers are crucial to good encryption.
Most people have heard of Silicon Graphic's use of Lava Lamps to generate random numbers. There were some problems: it required special SGI hardware and software along with six lava lamps, and the solution wasn't portable. But the biggest drawback was that SGI patented the idea so it wasn't freely available. Now, some of the scientists behind the SGI random number system have create LavaRnd, an open source project for creating truly random numbers using inexpensive cameras, open source code, and inexpensive hardware. The system uses a saturated CCD in a light-tight can as a chaotic source to produce the seed. Software processes the result into truly random numbers in a variety of formats. The result is a random number that is crytographically sound, ranking at the top of its class in the NIST 800-22 Billion bit test. Its even portable, so the truly paranoid can take it with them when they travel."
Site's already /.'ed.
You can nab the code off sourceforge though:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/lavarnd
You are correct that white noise can produce appropriately random numbers.
The problem is that for encryption purposes you may need some huge random numbers. If you want to do that from an analog solution you'll have to take your samples closer and closer together, until the numbers become less random. If you start sampling sound 1 million times a second, any two values next to each other my be really close and actually predictable.
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Where to begin... For starters, the double slit experiment, to see the neat effects of single electron interference, must be done in a vacuum. The electorns must not be influenced by anything else at all, like air/gas molecules. Also, it must be done at temperatures near absolute zero, where the thermal bath of the environment doesn't wash out the quantum effect you are talking about... Just not possible on a portable system...