Quantum Random Numbers

tqft writes "What the world needs is more truly random sources of numbers. Researchers from Australian National University have found a brilliant way to make one: 'We do this by splitting a beam of light into two beams and then measuring the power in each beam. Because light is quantised, the light intensity in each beam fluctuates about the mean. Those fluctuations, due ultimately to the quantum vacuum, can be converted into a source of random numbers. Every number is randomly generated in real time and cannot be predicted beforehand.' So if you need some really random numbers, just use their generator service."

Comments

Raas!?

[turbidostato]

Randomness as a Service?

I don't know if out will work, but I know it certainly shouldn't.

In two words: MiM attack.

Re:Raas!?

[rapidmax]

The random service alone as cryptographic source raises questions about thrust. But if you use it as an additional source to mix into you entropy pool, it won't hurt and probably improve the quality and data rate of your random source.

~Andy