Quantum cloning, eavesdropping and Bell's inequality [Physics Letters A 228 (1997) 13]

We analyze various eavesdropping strategies on a quantum cryptographic channel. We present the optimal strategy for an eavesdropper restricted to a two-dimensional probe, interacting on-line with each transmitted signal. The link between safety of the transmission and the violation of Bell's inequality is discussed. We also use a quantum copying machine for eavesdropping and for broadcasting quantum information.