A flexible and stretchable bionic true random number generator

The volume of securely encrypted data transmission increases continuously in modern society with all things connected. Towards this end, true random numbers generated from physical sources are highly required for guaranteeing security of encryption and decryption schemes for exchanging sensitive information. However, majority of true random number generators (TRNGs) are mechanically rigid, and thus cannot be compatibly integrated with some specific flexible platforms. Herein, we present a flexible and stretchable bionic TRNG inspired by the uniqueness and randomness of biological architectures. The flexible TRNG film is molded from the surface microstructures of natural plants (e.g., ginkgo leaf) via a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly manufacturing process. In our proof-of-principle experiment, the TRNG exhibits a fast generation speed of up to 1.04 Gbit/s, in which random numbers are fully extracted from laser speckle patterns with a high extraction rate of 72%. Significantly, the resulting random bit streams successfully pass all randomness test suites including NIST, TestU01, and DIEHARDER. Even after 10,000 times cyclic stretching or bending tests, or during temperature shock (-25-80 degrees C), the bionic TRNG still reveals robust mechanical reliability and thermal stability. Such a flexible TRNG shows a promising potential in information security of emerging flexible networked electronics.

Automated summary

With the increasing demand for secure data transmission in modern society, true random numbers are essential for guaranteeing the security of encryption and decryption schemes. However, current true random number generators often lack compatibility with flexible platforms. In this study, a flexible and stretchable bionic true random number generator is developed, inspired by the uniqueness and randomness of biological architectures. The generator exhibits a fast generation speed, high extraction rate, and passes all randomness test suites. It also demonstrates robust mechanical reliability and thermal stability even under extreme conditions. This flexible true random number generator shows great promise for information security in emerging flexible networked electronics.