README.md

Quantum Random Number Generator

Generates a random integer between 0 and a given maximum using a quantum computer.

Requirements:

• Python 3.5 or later

For use on a real remote quantum computer:

• Create an account with IBM Q Experience
• Generate an API token at My Account -> Advanced

Setup

pip install -r requirements.txt

With VirtualEnv:

source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

python ./main.py [max]

Where [max] is the maximum integer for the generated random number. E.g:

$ python ./main.py 12
Rounding input 12 to next power of 2: 16
9

For help:

python ./main.py -h

Real quantum backend

For use on a real quantum computer, generate an API key with IBM Q Experience using the instructions above.

Then run the script with:

python ./main.py -remote --qx-token <your-token> 15

Your instructions will be put in a queue to be run on the IBM Q 5 Tenerife quantum computer. This can take some time (approx 10 - 20 minutes) to complete.

IBM Q provides 15 credits per run for free users, and the IBMq5 backend has 5 available qubits. The script will loop until the necessary number of bits have been generated to create a random number up to the desired maximum, and will consume 3 credits each loop. This means that the script is capable of generating numbers up to a maximum of 33554431 (25 bits) in a single run before credits run out.

Free units are reset every time a result is viewed, so if the script completes sucessfully you should get your 15 credits back. If the script errors, or is cancelled, credits will be refreshed on the next successful run or on the next calendar day.