New Infinite Families of Perfect Quaternion Sequences and Williamson Sequences

Abstract

We present new constructions for perfect and odd perfect sequences over the quaternion group $Q_8$. In particular, we show for the first time that perfect and odd perfect quaternion sequences exist in all lengths $2^t$ for $t\ge 0$. In doing so we disprove the quaternionic form of Mow's conjecture that the longest perfect $Q_8$-sequence that can be constructed from an orthogonal array construction is of length 64. Furthermore, we use a connection to combinatorial design theory to prove the existence of a new infinite class of Williamson sequences, showing that Williamson sequences of length $2^{t}n$ exist for all $t\ge 0$ when Williamson sequences of odd length $n$ exist. Our constructions explain the abundance of Williamson sequences in lengths that are multiples of a large power of two.

Version accepted for publication