Syllabus
The main aim of this seminar is to explore combinatorial and algebraic ideas of finite structures that are related to cryptography, geometry and coding theoretic concepts. This includes
-finite semifields (algebra),
-highly nonlinear functions (cryptography),
-projective planes (finite geometry),
-MRD (maximum rank distance) codes (network coding), and
-braces (geometry via the Yang-Baxter equation).
In Winter Semester 2023/2024 we plan to focus on braces and some ideas related to semifields (in particular, projective polynomials).
Annotation
The seminar can be of interest to master degree and doctoral degree students, and to the faculty. The main aim is to offer a platform to younger researchers (diploma and doctoral students, postdocs) that work in the area.
The results are usually explained with proofs in adequate detail. The problems formulated at the seminar are often suited as an inspiration for a diploma or doctoral thesis.