The BTeV pixel vertex detector

One of the key components of the BTeV apparatus is the pixel vertex detector. It is designed to elaborate a fast trigger decision based on the detection of heavy quark secondary vertices. This feature gives BTeV an extraordinary potential for doing both b and c physics. In this paper, I will summarize the principles which inspired the project, the status of the pixel R&D and the results from the tests of the prototypes. I will conclude with our program for the near future.