Quantum cryptography and secret-key distillation

Quantum cryptography (or quantum key distribution) is a state-of-the-art technique that exploits the properties of quantum mechanics to guarantee the secure exchange of secret keys. This self-contained text introduces the principles and techniques of quantum cryptography, setting it in the wider context of cryptography and security, with specific focus on secret-key distillation. The book starts with an overview chapter, progressing to classical cryptography, information theory (classical and quantum), and applications of quantum cryptography. The discussion moves to secret-key distillation, then privacy amplification and reconciliation techniques, concluding with the security principles of quantum cryptography. The author explains the physical implementation and security of these systems, and enables engineers to gauge the suitability of quantum cryptography for securing transmission in their particular application. With its blend of fundamental theory, implementation techniques, and details of recent protocols, this book will be of interest to graduate students, researchers, and practitioners, in electrical engineering, physics, and computer science.