Method for generating a random number on a quantum-mechanical basis and random number generator

A random-number generator comprising:

• a multi-particle source capable of substantially simultaneously emitting at least two particles in a quantum-mechanically correlated state;
• a beam splitter including a first and a second input and a first and a second output, the beam splitter being disposed in relation to the particle source so that the at least two particles encounter the beam splitter;
• at least one particle-deflecting element for guiding each of the at least two particles to a respective one of the first and second inputs;
• at least a first and a second detector capable of detecting the at least two particles, the first detector being allocated to the first output, the second detector being allocated to the second output, a counting event at one of the first and second detectors being assigned a respective predetermined numerical value;
• and
• at least one particle-influencing element disposed between the particle source and the beam splitter in an optical path of at least one of the at least two particles, the particle-influencing element being tuned so that the at least two particles are directed at the beam splitter into a same output of the first and second outputs and encounter a respective one of the first and second detectors.