many more questions. But I'm guessing the server guys won't set up a
radon collector, so I'll just leave well enough alone.
-Kevin
On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 10:21:51 -0400, Ben Doom <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The basic idea is that no mathematical process can generate truly random
> numbers. However, it can generate huge fields of pseudo-random numbers
> that act very much like a sequence of random numbers if you pick a
> different starting point each time (hence seeidng with the system clock).
>
> *Real* random numbers have to come from a source that isn't predictable
> in any way (that being the definition of random and all).
>
> In practice, here's what you do:
>
> 1) Get a radiation source, preferably an alpha source (easy to sheild
> and detect).
> 2) Hook up a sensor so you know when it emits an alpha particle.
> 3) Knowing what you're using, you know the half life. Knowing the half
> life and the mass, you know the probability that it will emit a particle
> at any point in time.
> 4) Check the detector at intervals such that, all else being equal, 50%
> of the time, there will be a particle detection.
> 5) Convert this into a bytestream.
>
> Now, if you need a random, say, integer, you just grab 32 (or 64 or
> whatever) bits from the stream, and you have a really, *really* random
> number.
>
> --Ben
>
>
>
> Kevin Graeme wrote:
>
> >>From a thread in CF-Talk, Ben Doom said:
> >
> >
> >>To nitpick: to get truly random numbers, use a quantum source, like
> >>radioactive decay. Although I agree that that's a good way to get the
> >>most out of the pseudorandom number generator.
> >
> >
> > I understand that most computer systems use the system clock to
> > generate random numbers and that it's not really terribly good at
> > being random, but can you explain the above reference to using a
> > quantum source in more detail?
> >
> > I have a layman's cursory knowledge of quantum physics soI think I
> > know where you're going with it, but I'd be interested in hearing it
> > explained.
> >
> > -Kevin
>
>
>
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