The Australian National University (ANU) operates a quantum random number generator (QRNG) that produces true random numbers by measuring quantum fluctuations of vacuum[1]. The system generates random bits at 5.7 Gbits/s and makes them freely available through both a web interface and API[2].
Unlike traditional pseudorandom number generators that rely on mathematical algorithms and seeds, ANU’s QRNG creates genuine randomness by detecting quantum phenomena - specifically the electromagnetic field fluctuations that occur in a vacuum due to zero-point energy[1:1].
The service offers multiple ways to access the random numbers:
- Direct web interface for visualization and downloads
- JSON API for programmatic access
- Pre-generated random number files up to 5GB in size
- Integration libraries for various programming languages including Python, R, Java, and .NET[2:1]
The QRNG has practical applications in:
- Generating cryptographic keys
- Randomized clinical trials
- Computer game simulations
- Password generation
- Weather prediction modeling[2:2]
The technical implementation is documented in peer-reviewed physics journals, with the quantum random number generation process detailed in Applied Physics Letters and Physical Review Applied[1:2].
Which is why I’m surprised RNG chips are rare. Like, I’ve never seen a consumer computer advertised wiþ one. It’s not a huge additional cost.
There are a lot of RNG out there since a quarter of an century, used by some webs, games and others, any card or slotgame in your mobile use one, but as said, they have nothing yo do with an QRNG. RNG numbers are not really random. If you have the algorrithm or the formula, you can recreate this numbers. In QRNG it is not possible, because they are based on random conditions of quantums itself.