What Is The New Quantum Random Number Generator?

Random number generators are not new in video games. However, the first public online Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) has come this year. It is a revolutionary solution designed through a partnership between Australia National University and blockchain oracle provider AP13. This has caused many to believe that it will replace the present pseudorandom generators used in online games. They actually lead to predictable or repetitive outcomes. Thus, we can’t really call them random number generators.

There are numerous practical uses for random number generators right now. For example, each and every online casino or game producers use them. Other applications include researchers for statistical sampling or different computer simulations. Besides, cryptography and encryption on a large scale are most likely to use RNG. For example, to secure bank transfers and identity verification (where you receive a text message with a random number), or e-commerce.

Types of previous random number generators

There have been random number generators for a while. They are by no means novel. So, depending on how useful and successful they are, we can even classify a number of RNGs.

Random number generators in hardware

In computer science, when we refer to a device that generates random numbers by physical processes, we mean one connected to a computer. It can even be built right into the CPU. The generators operate by producing low-level, statistically random “noise” signals from tiny events. For instance, heat phenomena and photoelectric phenomena. They are somewhat slower than pseudo-random generators but significantly “safer.” Moreover, we use them when high application security is necessary. For example, when creating random keys for encryption systems.

Generators of pseudo-random numbers

We solely find pseudorandom generators in software in contrast to hardware generators. An effective computer software known as a generator creates a series of integers. These statistical tests identify as random. Although more advanced versions exist, they continue to serve as the fundamental cornerstone of contemporary software cryptography.

Generator of quantum random numbers

Australia National University researchers and blockchain oracle service AP13 have collaborated to introduce the first quantum random number generator (QRNG).

Through a collaborative effort, Web3 organizations will have access to a highly secure, the cost-free random number generating technology.

There have always been random number generators. However, the QRNG system is the first of its kind to produce a random number based on quantum mechanics.

What is the concept of Quantum Mechanism?

According to quantum theory, a vacuum, which we typically think of as the absence of “things,” really contains particles that come and go. The phrase “vacuum noise” derives from this. We can actually measure this noise with a laser. One can measure some fast electronics and some optics because it is basically random. Then, we quantify these variations and generate random numbers from them. Those are then distributed via an API gateway to the AWS cloud.

Generation of random numbers via the quantum mechanism

So, now you know how to produce random results, it makes use of quantum phenomena like quantum fluctuations of the vacuum. Another way to produce random numbers is by measuring parameters from quantum states of light. Also, this opens for a variety of generator implementations. As a straightforward and economical alternative to radioactive materials, it can be used to generate quantum randomness. Other options include light from light-emitting diodes and light from lasers or basic photon sources.

The Australian National University’s researchers have come up with the latter. Everyone can access their QRNG for free online. However, this QRNG is not the first. A nanogenerator was patented in 2018 by Quantum Base and Lancaster University. However, in their situation, one needs to insert a hardware component manually.

Blockchain technology and Web3 games

The most recent QRNG is already being used as an API by blockchains. For example, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, Fantom, or Moonbeam. However, Web3 games and the nascent Metaverse are likely to be where they will be most useful. Both of these platforms heavily rely on random factors to keep users interested.

Moreover, we can also expect that other businesses will soon start using it. For example, new bitcoin casinos, which up until now have relied on pseudo-random generators. However, these are naturally more open to trickery or even prediction. In fact, there have been instances in the past where hackers were able to foretell the outcomes of slot machine software. So, in the future, this won’t be possible because of quantum generators.