Division algebras and MRD codes from skew polynomials

Abstract

Let $D$ be a division algebra, finite-dimensional over its center, and $R=D[t;\sigma ,\delta ]$ a skew polynomial ring. Using skew polynomials $f\in R$, we construct division algebras and a generalization of maximum rank distance codes consisting of matrices with entries in a noncommutative division algebra or field. These include a class of codes constructed by Sheekey (in particular, generalized Gabidulin codes), as well as Jha Johnson semifields.