  In recent years Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as the most
paradigmatic example of Quantum technology allowing the realization of
intrinsically secure communication links over hundreds of kilometers. Beyond
its commercial interest QKD also has high conceptual relevance in the study of
quantum information theory and the foundations of quantum mechanics. In
particular, the discussion on the minimal resources needed in order to obtain
absolutely secure quantum communication is yet to be concluded. Here we present
an overview on our last experimental results concerning two novel quantum
cryptographic schemes which do not require some of the most widely accepted
conditions for realizing QKD. The first is Goldenberg-Vaidman protocol
\cite{v}, in which even if only orthogonal states (that in general can be
cloned without altering the state) are used, any eavesdropping attempt is
detectable. The second is N09 protocol \cite{no} which, being based on the
quantum counterfactual effect, does not even require any actual photon
transmission in the quantum channel between the parties for the communication.
