Describe the potential of quantum cellular automata for quantum cryptography applications, particularly in the context of secure communication and key distribution.

Quantum cellular automata have potential applications in quantum cryptography, leveraging their ability to process and transmit quantum information securely. QCA can be used to implement quantum key distribution protocols, where entanglement and superposition ensure the security of the keys. The local rules of QCA can encode cryptographic protocols that are resistant to eavesdropping, as any attempt to intercept the communication would disrupt the quantum states, revealing the presence of an intruder.