The present invention produces strings of true random numbers, extracted from field emission of electrons from nano-size emitters (NSE). Electrons may be produced in a miniature, three-electrode vacuum element that consists of a NSE emitter attached to the cathode surface, a close proximity gate electrode and an accelerating electrode (anode). A miniature fast response electron detector may also be inserted into the vacuum vessel. The detector sensitivity may allow single electron detection, with a noise level much lower than the resulting single-electron signal. The accelerated electrons may be directed to the detector and produce electric signals with well-defined pulse height and pulse shape characteristics. The electronic system analyzes the signals from the detector and generates random numbers thereby.
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