Quantum and classical noise for random number generation

[schip666!]

The gold standard for generating random numbers is the quantum effect of nuclear decay -- particles and photons being emitted from the atomic nucleus -- and unless you are one of those Hidden Variables types this is really random. The silver standard is thermal noise. There is a nice article in the last IEEE Spectrum magazine about Intel's on chip random number generators which use thermal noise: http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/hardware/behind-intels-new-randomnumber-generator/0

While reading that article it occurred to me that kinetic thermal noise might ultimately have quantum noise as it's source. Since heat is fundamentally energy released -- hmm, as photons? -- by chemical bonds forming or breaking, and chemical bonding is best described with Quantum Mechanics.

I realize that thermal noise is easier to model with classical kinetics, but are these two sources of unpredictability fundamentally the same?

 

[eljose79]

I agree that the gold standard for generating random numbers is through the quantum effect of nuclear decay. This is because the process of nuclear decay is inherently random and cannot be predicted or controlled. However, I do not necessarily agree that the silver standard is thermal noise.

While thermal noise can also be used to generate random numbers, it is not purely random like nuclear decay. Thermal noise results from the random motion of particles at the atomic level, but this motion is still governed by classical kinetic laws and can be influenced by external factors.

On the other hand, nuclear decay is a purely quantum phenomenon that is not influenced by external factors. This makes it a more reliable and secure source of randomness for applications such as cryptography.

That being said, it is interesting to consider the possibility that thermal noise ultimately has its source in quantum effects. Chemical bonding, as you mentioned, is best described by quantum mechanics and the release of energy in the form of heat could potentially be attributed to the emission of photons.

However, I do not believe that this means thermal noise and nuclear decay are fundamentally the same. The randomness of nuclear decay is intrinsic and inherent, while thermal noise is a result of complex interactions at the atomic level.

In conclusion, while thermal noise can be a useful source of randomness, it is not on the same level as the quantum effect of nuclear decay. As scientists, it is important for us to continue exploring and understanding the fundamental sources of randomness in order to improve and advance our technologies.