Frontiers in Science: Protecting the power grid with physics

How quantum physics can overcome cyber threats, password fails, and semi-honest people

May 6, 2021

Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image

Every day, we try to keep important information — like our emails and our bank accounts — safe from hackers. But when it comes to protecting the energy grid, clever passwords and anti-malware packages are simply not enough. 

The solution? Physics. Join Raymond Newell for a fascinating look at Quantum-Ensured Defense of the Smart Electric Grid (QED), a new approach for power security. This cutting-edge technique uses single particles of light for encryption and authentication to keep our secrets safe and our grid secure — now and into the future.

May 26, 2021
6 p.m. (MT)
WebEx
Free

Register: https://lanl-events.webex.com/lanl-events/onstage/g.php?MTID=e5a2bc80ca90cddf9ca306c2a28426f69

Newell is a research scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he has been employed since 2003. He holds a doctorate in atomic, molecular and optical physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He leads the Quantum Communications team at Los Alamos, and is deputy group leader for the Materials Physics and Applications Quantum group. His research interests span the broad range of quantum information sciences for national security. In addition, Newell is the chief optical scientist for the SuperCam Body Unit, a suite of remote sensing instruments aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars.

Frontiers in Science is presented by the Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellows. This series features conversations with scientists, engineers and other experts behind some of the most innovative developments in scientific achievement.

Share
More In This Issue
Science on Tap: Deep sea data divingArtifact: Oppenheimer’s chairA sneak peek at hidden historyAll Stories

More @theBradbury Stories

@theBradbury Home
Rowe Charlotte Opt C479b Card

Science on Tap: Deep sea data diving

SMART cables provide an undersea look at earthquakes

Oppenheimer Chair Opt Ad8c8 Card

Artifact: Oppenheimer’s chair

Listen to the first episode of the National Security Research Center’s series Relics: History Podcast

Manhattan Project Tours Opt 01c13 Card

A sneak peek at hidden history

Virtual Manhattan Project Site tours coming soon

Mesa Rainbow Opt 1da33 Card

In case you missed it: Earth Week programs

Tackling the plastic problem, NM’s natural wonders, and the best little monsoon season

Dead Trees Opt 5cc8f Card

News: Colorado River basin due for more frequent, intense hydroclimate events

Climate change to drive drought, heat waves, floods, and low river flows in seven western states