A random number generator (RNG) is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that lack any pattern.
There are many methods of generating randomness, existed from ancient time like dice, coin flipping shuffling or playing cards. Among many use of random number, in computer cryptography is probably the most important one in modern technology world as it involves the security of “Everything”.
Most random number generators used in modern world uses some kind of algorithm. These algorithms are reasonably secured however they do also depend on random human inputs and could be slow. But there is a catch if you know the inputs you can figure the outputs. The algorithm correlates the input in a way that is unknown to the user.
Scientists now want to use to generate random numbers from the cosmic sub atomic particle passing through us all the time. These percales are truly random as the sample size is the known universe.
They use vacuums like in space. Sub-atomic particles constantly and spontaneously appear and disappear, even in the void, which can be measured and generate random numbers faster than any other random number generator.
This will revolutionize the way we use random numbers for encryption, information technology, computer modeling, and other complex tasks
“It was once thought that vacuums–like the vacuum of space–contained nothing. No particles, no sound, just empty darkness. But it has since come to light, thanks to discoveries in quantum physics, that virtual sub-atomic particles constantly and spontaneously appear and disappear, even in the void. Which doesn’t mean a whole lot unless you’re trying to build the ultimate random number generator.” – pop science
Dr Thomas Symul added: “Vacuum noise is one of the ultimate sources of randomness because it is intrinsically broadband and its unpredictability is guaranteed by quantum theory. Because of this, we are able to generate billions of random numbers every second.”
— Phys.org
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_number_generation
http://photonics.anu.edu.au/qoptics/Research/qrng.php
http://phys.org/news/2012-04-fastest-random-silence.html
More to read from my blog on random:
Technology Tab 