Better cybersecurity and quantum random number generation based on perovskite light emitting diodes

The exchange of digital information can be made safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly with the help of a new type of random number generator for encryption developed at the University of Linkoping, Sweden. The researchers behind the research believe that the new technology opens up a new way of quantum communication.

In an increasingly connected world, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important to protect not only the individual, but also, for example, national infrastructure and banking systems. And there is an ongoing race between hackers and those trying to protect information. The most common way to protect information is to use encryption. So when we send emails, pay bills and shop online, the information is digitally recorded.

To hide information, a random number generator is used, which can be a computer program or the hardware itself. The random number generator provides keys that are used to both encrypt and decrypt information at the receiving end.

Different types of different number generators provide different levels of redundancy and thus security. Hardware is the safest method as the randomness is controlled by the physical system. And the hardware method that provides the best method is based on quantum phenomena – what the researchers call the Quantum Random Number Generator, QRNG.

“In cryptography, it is not only important that the numbers are sorted, but only you know about them. With QRNG, we can ensure that a large number of generated bits are secret and therefore completely secure. And if the laws of quantum physics are true, it should not be heard unless the recipient finds out ,” said Guilherme B Xavier, a researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Linkoping University.

His research team, together with researchers from the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), created a new type of QRNG, which can be used for betting, but also for betting and computer simulation. A new QRNG feature for the Linkoping researchers is the use of light-emitting diodes made from the crystal-like material perovskite. The research is published in a journal Communication Physics.

Their generator number is among the best and compares well with similar products. Thanks to the properties of perovskites, it can be cheap and environmentally friendly.

Feng Gao is a professor at IFM and has been researching perovskites for over ten years. He believes that the recent development of perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) means that there is an opportunity to transform, for example, optical devices.

“It is possible to use, for example, a traditional QRNG laser, but it is expensive. If the technology eventually finds its way into consumer electronics, it is important that costs are kept low and that the product is as compatible with the environment as possible. In addition, PeLEDs do not need energy many to run,” said Feng Gao.

The next step is to develop more materials to make the perovskite lead-free and to extend its life, currently 22 days. According to Guilherme B Xavier, their new QRNG could be available for use in cybersecurity within five years.

“It is an advantage that the electronic equipment that will be used for sensitive data is made in Sweden. If you buy a complete randomness generator kit from another country, you cannot be sure that it is not being monitored.”