NIST Launches Public Quantum Random Number Service Using Bell-Test Technology

USA: NIST Launches Public Quantum Random Number Service Using Bell-Test Technology

A new public service called the Colorado University Randomness Beacon (CURBy) began delivering provably random numbers on June 11, 2025, after a collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Quantum Foundations

The service relies on a Bell test, an experiment that measures pairs of entangled photons whose outcomes are fundamentally unpredictable according to quantum mechanics. By verifying the non‑local correlations of these photons, the system can certify that each generated bit is truly random, unlike the pseudo‑random numbers produced by conventional algorithms.

Operational Mechanics

In the CURBy setup, a nonlinear crystal creates entangled photon pairs that travel through optical fibers to separate measurement stations. Each station records photon polarizations, producing raw random outcomes at a rate of 250,000 measurements per second. Specialized processing then converts these measurements into 512‑bit strings that are posted to the beacon’s website.

Performance Record

During its first 40 days of operation, the protocol succeeded in generating random numbers 7,434 times out of 7,454 attempts, yielding a 99.7% success rate. The high reliability marks a significant improvement over earlier Bell‑test demonstrations, which required months of setup for only a few hours of data collection.

Blockchain Integration

To ensure traceability, the team introduced the Twine protocol, a quantum‑compatible blockchain framework that hashes each data block before publication. The hash chain creates a tamper‑evident record, allowing any user to verify the provenance of the numbers and to detect potential manipulation instantly.

Potential Uses

Because the numbers are publicly auditable and unguessable, they can support a range of applications, including cryptographic key generation, random selection for audits, jury candidate selection, and public lotteries. The open‑source nature of the project also enables other institutions to build compatible beacons and join the shared network.

Expert Commentary

“If God does play dice with the universe, then you can turn that into the best random number generator that the universe allows,” said Krister Shalm, a physicist at NIST. Jasper Palfree, a research assistant at Colorado, noted that the Twine protocol “lets us weave together all these other beacons into a tapestry of trust.” Graduate student Gautam Kavuri added, “I wanted to build something that is useful… NIST gives us the freedom to pursue ambitious projects that have real‑world impact.”

Publication Details

The underlying research appears in Nature (online June 11, 2025) under the title “Traceable random numbers from a non‑local quantum advantage” (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09054-3).

This report is based on information from NIST, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.