A recent peer-reviewed study published in Nature has demonstrated a compelling real-world use case for quantum processors: certifiably random number generation.
Using a 56-qubit quantum computer, the researchers successfully generated 71,313 bits of certified entropy, random bits proven to be unpredictable, even when the quantum device itself is untrusted and remote. The protocol works by sending quantum circuits to the server, verifying specific output patterns, and confirming randomness with mathematical rigor.
Why this matters
Randomness is foundational to cryptography, secure communications, and scientific simulations. Classical methods rely on pseudo-random algorithms, which—while efficient—are not truly unpredictable. Quantum-generated randomness, on the other hand, is rooted in the fundamental uncertainty of quantum mechanics.
What sets this work apart is its device-independent approach: even if the quantum computer is not fully trusted, the randomness can still be verified and certified. This has meaningful implications for future digital infrastructure, where trust-minimized, verifiable processes are increasingly important.
Key takeaways
- 56-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer used remotely.
- 71,313 bits of certified random entropy generated and verified.
- Opens the door to scalable, verifiable randomness in practical settings.
This breakthrough points to a maturing field where quantum computers are not just theoretical tools, but operational assets in real-world systems. As research continues, certified randomness could become a cornerstone service in the future quantum-powered internet.
🔗 Read the full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08737-1
