| Recent interest in cryptographic systems has generated many mathematical results involving computations in finite fields. In particular, it is known that the use of optimal normal bases significantly reduces the complexity of computations in certain finite fields. This thesis examines three specific aspects of optimal normal bases. First, the effect of optimal normal bases on computations in finite fields is analyzed. Second, the known constructions of optimal normal bases are presented. Finally, the generators of optimal normal bases are discussed in terms of their order in the field. |
