150 Gb/s Random Number Generation from Self-Chaotic VCSEL Lasers — No External Feedback Needed

Self-Chaotic Lasers Generate Random Numbers at 150 Gb/s, Passing NIST Tests

Researchers have achieved 150 Gb/s random number generation using the intrinsic chaos of broad-area VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) chips — without any external feedback or injection, making the system remarkably simple and compact.

How It Works

The approach exploits the natural nonlinear dynamics of transverse and polarization modes in a broad-area VCSEL:

• Self-chaotic — No external perturbation needed; the laser generates chaos from its own physics
• High correlation dimension — The chaos has complex, high-dimensional structure
• Large bandwidth — Wide spectral flatness across a range of currents

Performance

Why This Matters

1. Simpler than alternatives — Most chaotic RNG setups require optical feedback loops or injection; this is self-contained
2. Compact and robust — No external components = smaller, more reliable hardware
3. Cryptographic applications — True random number generation is critical for encryption, key generation, and blockchain
4. Speed record — 150 Gb/s is competitive with the fastest photonic RNG systems
5. Scalability — VCSELs are mass-producible semiconductor chips, making this approach commercially viable