Lottery Numbers Generator

First of all, you need to know what are random numbers. Numbers are random if and only if given some past numbers you can not predict future outcomes.

All ordinary computers generate pseudo-random numbers. They use a special algorithm to produce a sequence of numbers that looks like and behaves like random numbers. But if you know a seed number and an algorithm you can generate exactly the same sequence as many times as you wish. So such numbers are not true random numbers.

We have established a connection with special hardware - quantum number generator. The random numbers are generated in real-time in the lab by measuring the quantum fluctuations of the vacuum. The vacuum is described very differently in the quantum mechanical context than in the classical context. Traditionally, a vacuum is considered as a space that is empty of matter or photons. Quantum mechanically, however, that same space resembles a sea of virtual particles appearing and disappearing all the time. This result is due to the fact that the vacuum still possesses a zero-point energy. Consequently, the electromagnetic field of the vacuum exhibits random fluctuations in phase and amplitude at all frequencies. By carefully measuring these fluctuations, it is possible to generate ultra-high bandwidth random numbers.

If you want to learn more, please visit Australian National University Quantum Optics page.