Conway Polynomials and Finite Fields


Tuesday, March 1, 2005
2:00p.m., Room 304

Carrie Wright
University of Georgia

Abstract: Conway Polynomials are important in different areas of mathematics, especially Number Theory and Algebra. A Conway polynomial is an irreducible polynomial over a finite field with some added conditions. Conway polynomials have given mathematicians a more efficient way of doing arithmetic in finite fields. In fact, GAP and MAGMA use conway polynomials to define their finite fileds and to do the arithmetic in these finite fields. In this talk, I will explore the use and importance of Conway polynomials in Algebra and Cryptography.