Quantum Randomness: From Practice to Theory and Back

Abstract

There is a huge demand for "random" bits. Random number generators use software or physical processes to produce "random" bits. While it is known that programs cannot produce high-quality randomness-their bits are pseudo-random-other methods claim to produce "true" or "perfect" random sequences. Such claims are made for quantum random generators, but, if true, can they be proved? This paper discusses this problem-which is important not only philosophically , but also from a practical point of view.