Smart Grid:Cyber-Physical Operation, Security and Quantum

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Research on Smart Grid, Cyber-physical operation, Security and Quantum Cryptography

Areas of expertise

This is a unique Canadian facility that is used to study the control and communication of a large-scale smart grid. This research infrastructure platform includes world-class facilities in quantum cryptography, cyber-physical security as well as the operations of smart grids. Quantum cryptography offers unconditional security based on the laws of physics. We will build a measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (QKD) network, which provides unconditional security even with untrusted relays, thus paving the way to a future quantum internet. We will study cyber-physical security of smart grids, thus securing our critical infrastructure. We will perform large-scale simulations of the operations of a large power generation and distribution network. Our simulations will greatly enhance our understanding of the operations and security of our power grid.

Research services

Prototyping and testing of quantum technologies (including single photon detectors and single photon sources). Battle-testing quantum key distribution networks. Modelling of power distribution networks. Simulations of cyber-physical security of critical infrastructure.

Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Defence and security industries
  • Energy
  • Financial services and insurance
  • Information and communication technologies and media
  • Utilities
Name of specialized lab Name of equipment in use Description of function
Quantum Communications Lab Quantum Key Distribution Systems Perform key exchange with unconditional security
  Singe Photon Detectors Single photon detection
  Quantum Random Number Generators General true random numbers by physical means
  • National Research Council (NRC) of Canada
Title URL
Prof. Hoi Kwong Lo and Prof. Joyce Poon show a quantum key distribution experiment with a silicon chip transmitter for the first time. https://www.physics.utoronto.ca/prof.-hoi-kwong-lo-and-prof.-joyce-poon-we-show-for-the-first-time-…