Quantum Cryptography: an overview of Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract: This chapter highlights the transformation of secure communications through the incorporation of quantum mechanics. Over the past four decades, this groundbreaking theory has quietly revolutionized private communication. The chapter provides a concise historical overview of this field's inception, tracking the development of its pioneering protocol, BB84. It delves deeply into the protocol's evolution, spotlighting its milestones and challenges. Furthermore, it offers a panoramic view of the entire quantum key distribution landscape, encompassing continuous variable protocols designed to harness existing telecom technologies and device-independent quantum key distribution protocols aimed at achieving secure key exchange with minimal reliance on the experimental setup.