Random number generation using the randomness of magneto-optic materials

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K05309
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 29010:Applied physical properties-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo National College of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Mito Shinichiro 東京工業高等専門学校, 電子工学科, 准教授 (10637268)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 真正乱数 / 磁性ガーネット / 量子乱数 / 磁区 / イメージセンサ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aims to realize a compact and high-speed true random number generator based on the random magnetic domain patterns of magnetic garnet which obtained by image sensors. First, the characteristics and fabrication conditions of magnetic garnet films suitable for random number generation was clarified by the developed liquid-phase epitaxy furnace. The magnetic domains image of the fabricated magnetic garnet films were obtained by a high pixel high-speed image sensor on an optical surface plate and agitated on a computer, and were confirmed to pass the random number test (NIST SP800-22). The maximum random number generation speed of approximately 1 Gbit/s was achieved. We also confirmed that we could generate random numbers by prototyping a small device using a 3D printer.

Free Research Field

磁気光学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、磁性ガーネットの磁区構造をノイズ源とした、スマートフォンに搭載できるほど小型で低消費電力かつ、高速な真正乱数生成器の基本構成を明らかにし、その性能を実証した。この乱数生成器は小型かつ高速で真の乱数を生成できるので、スマートフォン決済システムなどの高いセキュリティが求められる分野で広範な応用が期待できる。また，並列化も容易であるため、並列化して乱数生成速度を高めることで、素粒子シミュレーションなどの乱数生成に大きな計算コストを必要としている分野でも広く利用できると期待される。