RE: True random numbers wanted

From: gts (gts@optexinc.com)
Date: Thu Sep 12 2002 - 11:00:57 MDT


Eugene,

> On Thu, 12 Sep 2002, gts wrote:
>
> > "Almost never"? You'll have to prove that to me.
>
> Run an FFT on a noisy microphone. Doesn't look very white, does it?
> Here's a true RNG which doesn't pass tests for randomness.

I'm not convinced that a noisy microphone is a true RNG. By "truly
random" or "genuinely random," I mean 1) unpredictable, and 2)
undetermined. Only quantum processes satisfy the second requirement.
Noise from a microphone is not necessarily due entirely to quantum
processes. Some of that noise will be determined by events that occur at
the macroscopic non-quantum level.

The rest of your points are well-taken.

> I consistently fail to connect.
> I have no idea why this happens.

We've barely tried to communicate at all, Eugene. You entered the
quantum tunneling discussion with a "bah humbug" post, followed shortly
thereafter by a personal insult. Aside from those unfriendly messages
you've made little or no attempt to "connect" (until now, thank you.)
But let's let bygones be bygones... I note that you seem to be a very
intelligent and knowledgeable fellow and this is not supposed to be a
over-polite tea-party in the first place. :-)

-gts



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