PHYS 316(S) Protecting Information: Applications of Abstract Algebra and Quantum Physics (Same as Mathematics 316) (Q)
Living in the early decades of the information age, we find ourselves depending
more and more on codes that protect messages against either noise or eavesdropping. We begin this course by studying the history of this subject, including,
for example, the story of the enigma code from World War II. We then examine
some of the most important codes currently being used to protect information,
including linear codes, which in addition to being mathematically elegant are the
most practical codes for error correction, and the RSA public key cryptographic
scheme, popular nowadays for internet applications. Looking ahead by a decade
or more, we show how a "quantum computer" could crack any RSA code in
short order, and how quantum cryptographic devices will achieve security
through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
Evaluation will be based on homework sets and exams.
Prerequisites: Physics 210 or Mathematics 211 (possibly concurrent) or permission of the instructors. (Students not satisfying the course prerequisites but who
have completed Mathematics 209 or Mathematics 251 are particularly encouraged to ask to be admitted.)