On the information-splitting essence of two types of quantum key   distribution protocols
  With the help of a simple quantum key distribution (QKD) scheme, we discuss the relation between BB84-type protocols and two-step-type ones. It is shown that they have the same essence, i.e., information-splitting. More specifically, the similarity between them includes (1) the carrier state is split into two parts which will be sent one by one; (2) the possible states of each quantum part are indistinguishable; (3) anyone who obtains both parts can recover the initial carrier state and then distinguish it from several possible states. This result is useful for related scheme designing and security analyzing. 
Fei Gao, Fenzhuo Guo, Qiaoyan Wen, Fu-Chen Zhu