Abstract: An apparatus for generating random numbers includes a source for generating random quantum phenomena, a detector to detect instances of the random quantum phenomena, and a recorder to record the instances of the random quantum phenomena for use in generating random numbers.

Abstract: A random number generator comprises a laser for generating photons, an assembly of neutral density filters to attenuate the photons, a photomultiplier tube to detect the occurrence of a fraction of the attenuated photons at a rate of a single photon detected during a set length of time and to detect the occurrence of a single photon during each interval in a series of like time intervals, and a clock and shift register to record a first value for detection of any photons during a selected single time interval in the series of time intervals and to record a second value for detection of no photons during the selected single time interval. The values recorded in the shift register for the series of time intervals are a string of random numbers.

Abstract: A random number generator comprises a laser for generating photons, an assembly of neutral density filters to attenuate the photons, a photomultiplier tube to detect the occurrence of a fraction of the attenuated photons at a rate of a single photon detected during a set length of time and to detect the occurrence of a single photon during each interval in a series of like time intervals, and a clock and shift register to record a first value for detection of any photons during a selected single time interval in the series of time intervals and to record a second value for detection of no photons during the selected single time interval. The values recorded in the shift register for the series of time intervals are a string of random numbers.