Abstract: A method for electro-depositing a radioactive material onto a metal substrate is disclosed. This is particularly well-suited for true random number generators. The method includes (a) at least partially masking the metal substrate to expose a metallic surface on the metal substrate; (b) connecting the metal substrate to a cathode of a current source; (c) submersing the exposed metallic surface into a solution containing radioactive metal ions, wherein the solution is connected to an anode of the current source; (d) removing the exposed metallic surface from the solution; (e) removing the solution from the exposed metallic surface; (f) measuring the amount of radioactivity emitted from the exposed metallic surface; and (g) repeating steps (c) through (f) until the amount of radioactivity measured in step (f) is stabilized relative to a previous measurement.

Abstract: A method for electro-depositing a radioactive material onto a metal substrate is disclosed. This is particularly well-suited for true random number generators. The method includes (a) at least partially masking the metal substrate to expose a metallic surface on the metal substrate; (b) connecting the metal substrate to a cathode of a current source; (c) submersing the exposed metallic surface into a solution containing radioactive metal ions, wherein the solution is connected to an anode of the current source; (d) removing the exposed metallic surface from the solution; (e) removing the solution from the exposed metallic surface; (f) measuring the amount of radioactivity emitted from the exposed metallic surface; and (g) repeating steps (c) through (f) until the amount of radioactivity measured in step (f) stabilizes relative to a previous measurement.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for manufacturing a true random number generator (TRNG), wherein the TRNG includes a cavity filled with tritium and an electronic sensor constructed to detect energy from the decay of the tritium. One method includes (a) forming the cavity by bonding an enclosing structure to the sensor or adjacent to the sensor such that a portion of the sensor forms an inner surface of the cavity, (b) injecting the tritium gas into the cavity via one or more ports in the enclosing structure, and (c) sealing the one or more ports. Another method includes (a) applying a drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel to a surface of the electronic sensor, and (b) applying epoxy over the drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel (prior to step (b), the surface of the electronic sensor may be cooled sufficiently to freeze the drop of tritiated water or tritiated gel).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a true random number generator (TRNG). The TRNG includes an enclosure defining a cavity and a cap covering the cavity and having a cap surface exposed to the cavity, the cap surface including radioactive nickel. An electronic sensor within a cavity detects electrons from the decay of the nickel and produces a signal for the detected energy. An amplifier is connected to the sensor and constructed to amplify the signal and feeds the signal to a filter. A processor connected to the filter generates a true random number based on the signal. This TRNG may be formed on an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a true random number generator (TRNG). The TRNG includes an enclosure defining a cavity and a cap covering the cavity and having a cap surface exposed to the cavity, the cap surface including radioactive nickel. An electronic sensor within a cavity detects electrons from the decay of the nickel and produces a signal for the detected energy. An amplifier is connected to the sensor and is constructed to amplify the signal and then feeds the signal to a filter. A processor connected to the filter generates a true random number based on the signal. This TRNG may be formed on an integrated circuit.