Quantum Physics and Blockchain for Random Number Generation

• Quantum physics and blockchains are used to generate random numbers, making the technique traceable and certifiable.

• The technique is the first of its kind, ensuring the secrecy of the key.

• Cloudflare uses the 1963 invention of the lava lamp to generate a sufficiently random key.

• The algorithm used to generate the key is deterministic, allowing anyone to generate the exact same key.

• Quantum mechanics studies the behavior of matter and light in atomic and subatomic realms.

• Researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technologies have used this to generate truly random numbers.

• The generated numbers are broadcasted publicly via the CU Randomness Beacon (CURBy), a public service for receivers to use.

• The protocol begins at the NIST, using spontaneous parametric down-conversion to generate a pair of quantum entangled photons.

• The data is then converted to a bit string, which is both truly random and biased.