Quantum Cryptographic Protocols for Secure Comunication

Abstract

Quantum Cryptography offers a secure method of sharing sequences of random numbers to be used as cryptographic keys. It can potentially eliminate many of the weaknesses of classical cryptographic methods. In this paper, we survey some results in quantum cryptography. After a brief introduction to classical cryptography, some fundamental quantum key distribution protocols are reviewed. The issue of security both from theoretical as well as real life point of view is also addressed. Finally we point out some noteworthy recent advances and some important remaining challenges.