Evaluating Matrix Circuits

The circuit evaluation problem (also known as the compressed word problem) for finitely generated linear groups is studied. The best upper bound for this problem is $\mathsf{coRP}$, which is shown by a reduction to polynomial identity testing. Conversely, the compressed word problem for the linear group $\mathsf{SL}_3(\mathbb{Z})$ is equivalent to polynomial identity testing. In the paper, it is shown that the compressed word problem for every finitely generated nilpotent group is in $\mathsf{DET} \subseteq \mathsf{NC}^2$. Within the larger class of polycyclic groups we find examples where the compressed word problem is at least as hard as polynomial identity testing for skew arithmetic circuits

Geometrically closed rings

We develop the basic theory of geometrically closed rings as a generalisation of algebraically closed fields, on the grounds of notions coming from positive model theory and affine algebraic geometry. For this purpose we consider several connections between finitely presented rings and ultraproducts, affine varieties and definable sets, and we introduce the key notion of an arithmetic theory as a purely algebraic version of coherent logic for rings.Comment: 18 page

On Quadratic Inverses for Quadratic Permutation Polynomials over Integer Rings

An interleaver is a critical component for the channel coding performance of turbo codes. Algebraic constructions are of particular interest because they admit analytical designs and simple, practical hardware implementation. Sun and Takeshita have recently shown that the class of quadratic permutation polynomials over integer rings provides excellent performance for turbo codes. In this correspondence, a necessary and sufficient condition is proven for the existence of a quadratic inverse polynomial for a quadratic permutation polynomial over an integer ring. Further, a simple construction is given for the quadratic inverse. All but one of the quadratic interleavers proposed earlier by Sun and Takeshita are found to admit a quadratic inverse, although none were explicitly designed to do so. An explanation is argued for the observation that restriction to a quadratic inverse polynomial does not narrow the pool of good quadratic interleavers for turbo codes.Comment: Submitted as a Correspondence to the IEEE Transactions on Information Theory Submitted : April 1, 2005 Revised : Nov. 15, 200