Combinatorics And Finite Fields

This book uses finite field theory as a hook to introduce the reader to a range of ideas from algebra and number theory. It constructs all finite fields from scratch and shows that they are unique up to isomorphism. As a payoff, several combinatorial applications of finite fields are given: Sidon sets and perfect difference sets, de Bruijn sequences and a magic trick of Persi Diaconis, and the polynomial time algorithm for primality testing due to Agrawal, Kayal and Saxena. The book forms the basis for a one term intensive course with students meeting weekly for multiple lectures and a discussion session. Readers can expect to develop familiarity with ideas in algebra (groups, rings and fields), and elementary number theory, which would help with later classes where these are developed in greater detail. And they will enjoy seeing the AKS primality test application tying together the many disparate topics from the book. The pre-requisites for reading this book are minimal: familiarity with proof writing, some linear algebra, and one variable calculus is assumed. This book is aimed at incoming undergraduate students with a strong interest in mathematics or computer science.

Combinatorics and finite fields are of great importance in modern applications such as in the analysis of algorithms, in information and communication theory, and in signal processing and coding theory. This book contains survey articles on topics such as difference sets, polynomials, and pseudorandomness.

The series is devoted to the publication of high-level monographs, surveys and proceedings which cover the whole spectrum of computational and applied mathematics. The books of this series are addressed to both specialists and advanced students. Interested authors may submit book proposals to the Managing Editor or to any member of the Editorial Board. Managing EditorUlrich Langer, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria Editorial BoardHansj rg Albrecher, University of Lausanne, SwitzerlandRonald H. W. Hoppe, University of Houston, USAKarl Kunisch, RICAM, Linz, Austria; University of Graz, AustriaHarald Niederreiter, RICAM, Linz, AustriaChristian Schmeiser, University of Vienna, Austria

This volume contains the proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Finite Fields and Applications, held in Melbourne, Australia, July 9-13, 2007. It contains 5 invited survey papers as well as original research articles covering various theoretical and applied areas related to finite fields.Finite fields, and the computational and algorithmic aspects of finite field problems, continue to grow in importance and interest in the mathematical and computer science communities because of their applications in so many diverse areas. In particular, finite fields now play very important roles in number theory, algebra, and algebraic geometry, as well as in computer science, statistics, and engineering. Areas of application include algebraic coding theory, cryptology, and combinatorialdesign theory.

The volume covers wide-ranging topics from Theory: structure of finite fields, normal bases, polynomials, function fields, APN functions. Computation: algorithms and complexity, polynomial factorization, decomposition and irreducibility testing, sequences and functions. Applications: algebraic coding theory, cryptography, algebraic geometry over finite fields, finite incidence geometry, designs, combinatorics, quantum information science.

Poised to become the leading reference in the field, the Handbook of Finite Fields is exclusively devoted to the theory and applications of finite fields. More than 80 international contributors compile state-of-the-art research in this definitive handbook. Edited by two renowned researchers, the book uses a uniform style and format throughout and

Introduction to the theory of finite fields and to some of their many applications. The first chapter is devoted to the theory of finite fields. After covering their construction and elementary properties, the authors discuss the trace and norm functions, bases for finite fields, and properties of polynomials over finite fields. Chapter 2 deals with combinatorial topics such as the construction of sets of orthogonal Latin squares, affine and projective planes, block designs, and Hadamard matrices. Chapters 3 and 4 provide a number of constructions and basic properties of error-correcting codes and cryptographic systems using finite fields. Appendix A provides a brief review of the basic number theory and abstract algebra used in the text. Appendix B provides hints and partial solutions for many of the exercises in each chapter.--From publisher description.

Capturing Adriano Garsia's unique perspective on essential topics in algebraic combinatorics, this book consists of selected, classic notes on a number of topics based on lectures held at the University of California, San Diego over the past few decades. The topics presented share a common theme of describing interesting interplays between algebraic topics such as representation theory and elegant structures which are sometimes thought of as being outside the purview of classical combinatorics. The lectures reflect Garsia’s inimitable narrative style and his exceptional expository ability. The preface presents the historical viewpoint as well as Garsia's personal insights into the subject matter. The lectures then start with a clear treatment of Alfred Young's construction of the irreducible representations of the symmetric group, seminormal representations and Morphy elements. This is followed by an elegant application of SL(2) representations to algebraic combinatorics. The last two lectures are on heaps, continued fractions and orthogonal polynomials with applications, and finally there is an exposition on the theory of finite fields. The book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in the field.