Abstract: Quantum cryptography leverages physical principles such as quantum superposition and entanglement to achieve security levels beyond classical cryptography, attracting significant attention across various fields. Semi-quantum cryptography requires only one user to possess full quantum capability, while others need only perform basic quantum operations, reducing reliance on complex quantum devices for most users. This approach holds substantial research value and significance in theoretical exploration and practical applications. In order to realize the design of quantum cryptographic protocols with limited quantum resources, this study focuses on the development of semi-quantum cryptography, systematically reviewing the progress of semi-quantum key distribution, semi-quantum secure direct communication, semi-quantum secret sharing, semi-quantum privacy comparison, and semi-quantum secure multi-party summation. Furthermore, some open issues and future research directions in semi-quantum cryptographic protocols are discussed, aiming to provide references for scholars engaged in related research and promote the development and innovation of this field.

Key words: semi-quantum cryptography, constrained quantum resources; two-way communication