Random number generators are an integral part of any cryptographic system. The security of the cryptographic system depends on the quality of the random number generators. In this work, we demonstrate a high-entropy (more than $0.95$ bits/bit) photon number source using a femtosecond pulsed laser that uses chirped-pulse amplification as a mechanism. The randomness arising from inherent thermal fluctuations is comprehensively analyzed. We further propose and analyze a randomness conditioning algorithm, the Borel Selector, which in real time produces an output that is an ($ϵ,m$)-limiting Borel sequence. The physical entropy source, as well as the conditioning algorithm, has been benchmarked against state-of-the-art methods, and demonstrated improved statistics and increased efficiencies. The proposed entropy source and extractor is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind, and is a promising candidate for application in entropy-as-a-service and postquantum cryptography architectures.

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• Entropy
• Fluctuations & noise
• Laser applications
• Nonlinear optics
• Photonics
• Physics of computation
• Thermal properties
• Devices