Self-Clocking True Random Number Generator with Enhanced Stochasticity in Polymer-Blended Perovskite

Random numbers play a critical role in many areas, including lotteries, simulations, and cryptographic applications. As the Internet of Things (IoT) and optical computing continue to grow, the need for robust encryption methods to ensure the security of personal data has become paramount. Currently, software-based algorithms predominantly use deterministic random numbers due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use. However, the vulnerability of these systems to powerful supercomputers necessitates the search for more secure alternatives. The rise of artificial intelligence technologies has brought hardware-based random number generators into the spotlight, with true random number generators (TRNGs) using photonic sources emerging as promising alternatives.<br/> <br/>TRNGs, relying on shot, thermal, and electronic noise sources, are often sensitive to environmental changes and require intricate comparator circuits for constant threshold adjustment. Optical phase noise, while less affected by environmental variations, demands sophisticated laser and optical control equipment. Despite these challenges, TRNGs that utilize photon entropy sources offer intriguing possibilities through the duality of light and particles, providing a system for maximum uncertainty. This study introduces a novel approach: a hybrid (anionic polymer and perovskite) photodetector-based TRNG designed to maximize stochastic and random photogeneration. The system is comprised of four components: a light-emitting diode (LED), a photodiode, an amplifier, and a JK flip-flop, representing a notably simplified circuit configuration. Utilizing a simple circuit with a JK flip-flop, this system achieves remarkable miniaturization, generating 10,000 bits per second without succumbing to resets or time delays. The stochastic voltage fluctuations observed, particularly at frequencies of 10 kHz or higher when light interacts with the polymer-blended MAPbI3, hold significant promise for cryptographic applications. This study shows that through the use of natural light coupled with the employment of advanced optoelectronic materials, the fabrication of an ultra-compact TRNG chip, necessitating merely two components, is feasible.<br/> <br/>To verify the randomness of the generated binary sequences, we conducted the NIST random number test, which encompasses 15 distinct statistical tests applied to 10^6 numbers. This evaluation compared the performance of the newly developed hybrid (anionic polymer and perovskite) photodetector-based TRNG against two reference systems: a commercial silicon photodiode-based random number generator and a bare perovskite TRNG. The random numbers produced by the Si photodiode TRNG passed a mere 3 out of the 15 tests. In comparison, the bare perovskite TRNG passed 9 tests, with 6 failures predominantly linked to the length of sequences with repeated numbers and the frequency of recurring patterns. Notably, the polymer-blended perovskite TRNG surpassed all 15 tests with an average pass rate above 97%, solidifying the generated number sequence as nearly unpredictable and devoid of discernible correlation. The results substantiate the superior quality and dependability of the random numbers generated by the polymer-blended perovskite TRNG.<br/> <br/>Future research will explore practical applications of the TRNG in real-world scenarios, focusing on integrating this technology into existing computing and IoT frameworks. Continued efforts in miniaturization, circuit optimization, and energy efficiency exploration will further enhance the adoption of this novel TRNG paradigm. This breakthrough approach contributes to the development of more secure and reliable computing and Internet of Things technologies, ensuring enhanced protection of personal and sensitive data in the digital age.