Seminars & Colloquia Calendar

Download as iCal file

Number Theory Seminar

An asymptotic version of the prime power conjecture for perfect difference sets

Sarah Peluse (Princeton University)

Location:  zoom
Date & time: Tuesday, 02 February 2021 at 2:00PM - 3:00PM

Abstract: A subset D of a finite cyclic group Z/mZ is called a "perfect difference set" if every nonzero element of Z/mZ can be written uniquely as the difference of two elements of D. If such a set exists, then a simple counting argument shows that m=n^2+n+1 for some nonnegative integer n. Singer constructed examples of perfect difference sets in Z/(n^2+n+1)Z whenever n is a prime power, and it is an old conjecture that these are the only such n for which a perfect difference set exists. In this talk, I will discuss a proof of an asymptotic version of this conjecture: the number of n less than N for which Z/(n^2+n+1)Z contains a perfect difference set is ~N/log(N).

Special Note to All Travelers

Directions: map and driving directions. If you need information on public transportation, you may want to check the New Jersey Transit page.

Unfortunately, cancellations do occur from time to time. Feel free to call our department: 848-445-6969 before embarking on your journey. Thank you.