On construction and (non)existence of $c$-(almost) perfect nonlinear functions

Abstract

Functions with low differential uniformity have relevant applications in cryptography. Recently, functions with low $c$-differential uniformity attracted lots of attention. In particular, so-called APcN and PcN functions (generalization of APN and PN functions) have been investigated. Here, we provide a characterization of such functions via quadratic polynomials as well as non-existence results.