Rolling the Dice with Light Competition: Introducing a True Random Number Generator Powered by Photo-Induced Polarity Current

Abstract

The pursuit of hardware-based security solutions has highlighted the true random number generator (TRNG). Various physical phenomena, from noise generation to quantum physics complexities, have been explored for random number generation. The arc discharge light-induced TRNG (ALTRNG) is introduced, featuring wavelength-dependent photocurrent generation and arc discharge irradiation. A bipolar photo-responsive photodetector (BPPD) differentiates “1” and “0” states, producing highly random bits validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 15 tests. The BPPD's response to deep-ultraviolet (DUV) and blue light enables distinct photocurrent generation under arc discharge illumination. The ALTRNG generates true random signals, yielding bit streams with unpredictability, uniform distribution, and stability. With a readout circuit achieving 2-kbps, wireless random number transmission is demonstrated, highlighting potential for secure password systems and artificial X-ray image generation. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.