Provably secure time distribution for the electric grid

A. M. Smith; P. G. Evans; B. P. Williams; W. P. Grice

doi:10.1117/12.2178917

21 May 2015 Provably secure time distribution for the electric grid

A. M. Smith, P. G. Evans, B. P. Williams, W. P. Grice

Proceedings Volume 9500, Quantum Information and Computation XIII; 950007 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178917
Event: SPIE Sensing Technology + Applications, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

We demonstrate a quantum time distribution (QTD) method that combines the precision of optical timing techniques with the integrity of quantum key distribution (QKD). Critical infrastructure is dependent on microprocessor- and programmable logic-based monitoring and control systems. The distribution of timing information across the electric grid is accomplished by GPS signals which are known to be vulnerable to spoofing. We demonstrate a method for synchronizing remote clocks based on the arrival time of photons in a modified QKD system. This has the advantage that the signal can be verified by examining the quantum states of the photons similar to QKD.

Citation Download Citation

A. M. Smith, P. G. Evans, B. P. Williams, and W. P. Grice "Provably secure time distribution for the electric grid", Proc. SPIE 9500, Quantum Information and Computation XIII, 950007 (21 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178917

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