Efficient multiplication in binary fields

Abstract

The thesis discusses the basics of efficient multiplication in finite fields, especially in binary fields. There are two broad approaches: polynomial representation and normal bases, used in software and hardware implementations, respectively. Due to the advantages of normal bases of low complexity, there is also a brief introduction to constructing optimal normal bases. Furthermore, as irreducible polynomials are of fundamental importance for finite fields, the thesis concludes with some irreducibility test.