Tbps parallel random number generation based on a single quarter-wavelength-shifted DFB laser

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a parallel physical random number generator (Ph-RNG) based on a single quarter-wavelength-shifted distributed feedback laser (QWS-DFB LD). Though simply connecting the two output ports of the QWS-DFB LD to form a cross-coupled perturbation, we simultaneously produce two paths of complex optical chaotic signals with a bandwidth above 10 GHz. Furthermore, a dual-channel Ph-RNG with a bit rate of order terabit per second (Tbps) is implemented by combining a multi-bit extraction method. Final results show that our generated physical random numbers can successfully pass standard benchmark tests for randomness.