trng.info

What is a True Random Number Generator?

A true random number generator (tRNG) is a device that generates random numbers from a physical process, rather than a computer algorithm. Unlike pseudo-random number generators (pRNGs), which use mathematical formulas to simulate randomness, tRNGs extract entropy from physical phenomena that are fundamentally unpredictable.

The Quantis tRNG used in this web application generates random numbers based on the quantum properties of light. At the quantum level, the behavior of individual photons is governed by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, meaning that even with perfect knowledge of all variables, the outcome remains fundamentally unpredictable. This makes the numbers generated truly random and cryptographically secure.

tRNG vs pRNG: Understanding the Difference

Many applications use pseudo-random number generators (pRNGs) like Math.random() or /dev/urandom. While pRNGs are fast and sufficient for many use cases (simulations, games, non-critical applications), they have fundamental limitations:

When to use pRNG: Simulations, Monte Carlo methods (where reproducibility is needed), video games, procedural generation, non-security-critical randomness.

When to use tRNG: Cryptographic key generation, scientific experiments requiring unbiased randomness, online gambling (regulatory requirements), security tokens, and any application where predictability could be exploited.

Applications of True Random Number Generators

A) Cryptography & Security

tRNGs are essential for cryptographic applications where predictability can compromise entire systems. Common use cases include:

• Key Generation: AES, RSA, elliptic curve cryptography keys
• Nonces & IVs: Initialization vectors for encryption algorithms
• Salts: For secure password hashing (bcrypt, Argon2)
• Token Generation: Session IDs, CSRF tokens, API keys, authentication tokens

Why tRNG is critical here: pRNG vulnerabilities have led to real-world security breaches. In 2008, a weakness in Debian's OpenSSL pRNG allowed attackers to predict SSH keys. For production cryptography, true entropy is non-negotiable.

B) Scientific Research

True randomness is crucial for unbiased scientific experiments. Trng.info was specifically designed for research use cases:

Psychological Experiments

• Randomization of participants: Assign subjects to experimental groups without bias
• Counterbalancing: Randomize order of tasks/stimuli to control for order effects
• Double-blind studies: Random placebo assignment eliminates experimenter bias
• Stimulus selection: Random presentation of images, words, or other stimuli

Statistical Methods

• Monte Carlo simulations: When reproducibility is not needed
• Bootstrap methods: Resampling with true randomness
• Permutation tests: Non-parametric hypothesis testing
• Bayesian MCMC: Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling

Other Research Applications

• A/B Testing: Marketing and UX research
• Clinical Trials: Randomized controlled groups
• Survey Research: Random sampling of respondents
• Quality Control: Random inspection sampling

C) Gaming & Gambling

Online gambling and gaming platforms often require provably fair randomness for regulatory compliance. TRNGs provide:

• Online lotteries: Government-regulated random draws
• Casino games: Dice rolls, card shuffling, roulette
• Game mechanics: Loot drops, critical hits, procedural generation
• Fair play: Prevents exploitation of predictable pRNGs

D) Additional Applications

• Password Generation: Secure random passwords
• Art & Music: Generative art, algorithmic composition
• Decision Making: Fair lottery systems, random selection processes
• Software Testing: Fuzz testing, randomized stress tests

Why Choose trng.info?

Open Science & Transparency

• Free access for research, education, and development
• No registration required for web interface
• Academically operated by LMU Munich
• Transparent methodology (Quantis hardware documented)
• Open science principles supporting reproducible research

Technical Advantages

• Quantum-based entropy (not simulated or algorithmic)
• Fast response times (<100ms typical)
• Simple REST API with JSON responses
• Dual access: Browser UI and programmatic API
• Multiple data types: int, float, bytes, boolean, arrays

Trust & Reliability

• Academic institution: LMU Munich Emotion and Motivation Lab
• Privacy-focused: No data collection or tracking
• Research-grade: Used in scientific studies
• Established hardware: ID Quantique Quantis passes NIST/DIEHARD statistical tests

Comparison to Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Citation & Academic Use

Recommended Citation Format

APA Style:

trng.info - True Random Number Generator. (2026).
Emotion and Motivation Lab, LMU Munich.
Retrieved from https://trng.info

BibTeX:

@misc{tRNG2026,
  title = {trng.info -- True Random Number Generator},
  author = {{Emotion and Motivation Lab}},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://trng.info},
  organization = {Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München}
}

Best Practices for Scientific Use

1. Document your randomization: Save generated numbers with your experimental data
2. Log timestamps: Record when numbers were generated for audit trails
3. Methods section: Mention "Randomization performed using quantum-based tRNG (trng.info)"
4. Reproducibility: Since tRNGs are non-reproducible, archive the actual random numbers used

Notify Us (Optional)

If you use trng.info in published research, we'd appreciate a brief email (see contact). This helps us document usage and justify continued support. It's not required, but much appreciated!

Technical Details

Hardware

• Device: ID Quantique Quantis QRNG
• Entropy Source: Quantum photon emission and detection
• Certification: Passes NIST Statistical Test Suite and DIEHARD tests
• Reference: Turiel et al. (2007). JSTOR Article

API

trng.info provides a free REST API for developers and researchers. See the full API documentation for endpoints, parameters, response formats, and code examples.

Contact & Support

Get in Touch

For questions, API key requests, bug reports, or research collaborations, please contact us at info@trng.info.

Resources

• API Documentation
• Emotion and Motivation Lab (LMU Munich)
• ID Quantique Quantis Hardware

Feedback Welcome

We value user feedback! If you have suggestions for improvements, feature requests, or want to collaborate on research projects, please reach out. trng.info is an open science project, and we're happy to support research and education.