Random event generator

A Random event generator ("REG") is a device used in parapsychology research which generates a constant stream of quantum-level random events. In some publications it's called a Quantum Random Number Generator ("QRNG") or Quantum Noise Generator ("QNG"). Pioneered by the PEAR lab, its primary use is in micro-PK experiments to measure statistical anomalies which correlate with applied intention.

Noise sources
Early iterations used Johnson noise (a kind of thermal noise) from resistors, while later iterations used Avalanche noise (an artifact of electron tunneling) from reverse-biased P-N junctions. Other noise sources which have been used include radioactive decay, glow discharge, and photomultiplier diodes.

The noise source is fed to a low-pass filter and amplifier, then sampled as either negative or positive.

FieldREG
FieldREG was a PEAR project where after miniaturization of the technology, they were able to take REG devices to varied locations to test whether statistical anomalies could be detected in unusual conditions. They initially found that the signal's deviation from the norm increased in the presence of spirituality, enthusiasm, and creativity, and while it wasn't statistically significant they also noted that there was a slight negative effect at a technical conference. Like most psi research, it had replicability issues even with the same equipment.

A second iteration was carried out called FieldREG II.

ContREG
ContREG was a REG left running continuously in a lab as an exploratory measure. They found an effect tended to coincide with global events several seconds before the event happened. This series of experiments eventually lead to the Global Consciousness Project (GCP), which samples the noise from hundreds of quantum noise sources to detect correlations.