Algebraic Geometric Codes Basic Notions

The book is devoted to the theory of algebraic geometric codes, a subject formed on the border of several domains of mathematics. On one side there are such classical areas as algebraic geometry and number theory; on the other, information transmission theory, combinatorics, finite geometries, dense packings, etc. The authors give a unique perspective on the subject. Whereas most books on coding theory build up coding theory from within, starting from elementary concepts and almost always finishing without reaching a certain depth, this book constantly looks for interpretations that connect coding theory to algebraic geometry and number theory. There are no prerequisites other than a standard algebra graduate course. The first two chapters of the book can serve as an introduction to coding theory and algebraic geometry respectively. Special attention is given to the geometry of curves over finite fields in the third chapter. Finally, in the last chapter the authors explain relations between all of these: the theory of algebraic geometric codes.

Algebraic Geometry Codes: Advanced Chapters is devoted to the theory of algebraic geometry codes, a subject related to local_libraryBook Catalogseveral domains of mathematics. On one hand, it involves such classical areas as algebraic geometry and number theory; on the other, it is connected to information transmission theory, combinatorics, finite geometries, dense packings, and so on. The book gives a unique perspective on the subject. Whereas most books on coding theory start with elementary concepts and then develop them in the framework of coding theory itself within, this book systematically presents meaningful and important connections of coding theory with algebraic geometry and number theory. Among many topics treated in the book, the following should be mentioned: curves with many points over finite fields, class field theory, asymptotic theory of global fields, decoding, sphere packing, codes from multi-dimensional varieties, and applications of algebraic geometry codes. The book is the natural continuation of Algebraic Geometric Codes: Basic Notions by the same authors. The concise exposition of the first volume is included as an appendix.

Advances in Algebraic Geometry Codes presents the most successful applications of algebraic geometry to the field of error-correcting codes, which are used in the industry when one sends information through a noisy channel. The noise in a channel is the corruption of a part of the information due to either interferences in the telecommunications or degradation of the information-storing support (for instance, compact disc). An error-correcting code thus adds extra information to the message to be transmitted with the aim of recovering the sent information. With contributions from renowned researchers, this pioneering book will be of value to mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers in information theory.

These notes are based on lectures given in the semmar on "Coding Theory and Algebraic Geometry" held at Schloss Mickeln, Diisseldorf, November 16-21, 1987. In 1982 Tsfasman, Vladut and Zink, using algebraic geometry and ideas of Goppa, constructed a seqeunce of codes that exceed the Gilbert-Varshamov bound. The result was considered sensational. Furthermore, it was surprising to see these unrelated areas of mathematics collaborating. The aim of this course is to give an introduction to coding theory and to sketch the ideas of algebraic geometry that led to the new result. Finally, a number of applications of these methods of algebraic geometry to coding theory are given. Since this is a new area, there are presently no references where one can find a more extensive treatment of all the material. However, both for algebraic geometry and for coding theory excellent textbooks are available. The combination ofthe two subjects can only be found in a number ofsurvey papers. A book by C. Moreno with a complete treatment of this area is in preparation. We hope that these notes will stimulate further research and collaboration of algebraic geometers and coding theorists. G. van der Geer, J.H. van Lint Introduction to CodingTheory and Algebraic Geometry PartI -- CodingTheory Jacobus H. vanLint 11 1. Finite fields In this chapter we collect (without proof) the facts from the theory of finite fields that we shall need in this course

This book links two subjects: algebraic geometry and coding theory. It uses a novel approach based on the theory of algebraic function fields. Coverage includes the Riemann-Rock theorem, zeta functions and Hasse-Weil's theorem as well as Goppa' s algebraic-geometric codes and other traditional codes. It will be useful to researchers in algebraic geometry and coding theory and computer scientists and engineers in information transmission.

'Et moi ..., si j'avait su comment en revenir, One service mathematics has rendered the je n'y serais point aIle.' human race. It has put common sense back Jules Verne where it belongs, on the topmost shelf next to the dusty canister labelled 'discarded non sense'. The series is divergent; therefore we may be able to do something with it. Eric T. Bell O. Heaviside Mathematics is a tool for thought. A highly necessary tool in a world where both feedback and non linearities abound. Similarly, all kinds of parts of mathematics serve as tools for other parts and for other sciences. Applying a simple rewriting rule to the quote on the right above one finds such statements as: 'One service topology has rendered mathematical physics .. .'; 'One service logic has rendered com puter science .. .'; 'One service category theory has rendered mathematics .. .'. All arguably true. And all statements obtainable this way form part of the raison d' etre of this series.