High rate true random number generator using beta radiation

This paper relates to a technique for generating true random numbers at high speed from the nuclear decay of beta radioisotopes. The true random number is obtained by detecting beta radiation from Ni-63 radioisotope which emits only pure beta particle. For high rate random number generation, the best specification on Ni-63 beta radiation source is introduced. Then, a high-sensitivity detection circuit that can detect the beta radiation and make short pulse will be briefly described. A series of pulses from the detection circuit are converted to random numbers. Finally, it is confirmed that the random number is a true random number by statistical analysis and the NIST 800-22 test.