Primitive polynomials with a prescribed coefficient (Q2500607)

The Hansen-Mullen primitive conjecture states that for each prime power \(q\) integers \(m,n \geq 2\), \(0 < m < n\), and element \(a \in \mathbb F_q\) there exists a primitive polynomial \(x^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \cdots + a_0\) of degree \(n\) over \(\mathbb F_q\) with \(a_m = a\), with the exceptions when \((q,m,n,a) = (q,2,1,0), (4,3,1,0), (4,3,2,0)\) or \((2,4,2,1)\). Though much stronger properties (more prescribed coefficients) are likely to hold, the Hansen-Mullen primitive conjecture is difficult to establish in full generality. A survey of results on irreducible and primitive polynomials with prescribed coefficients appeared until the publication of the paper at hand is provided in [\textit{S. Cohen}, Finite Fields Appl. 11, 337--357 (2005; Zbl 1087.11073)]. In this contribution a considerable progress has been achieved, settling the Hansen-Mullen conjecture for polynomials of degree at least nine. In continuation of this work, \textit{S. Cohen} and \textit{M. Presern} have settled the case \(n = 4\) as a byproduct of a more general result in [Glasg. Math. J. 48, No. 2, 281--307 (2006; Zbl 1116.11092)], and complete the proof of the Hansen-Mullen primitive conjecture in [Lond. Math. Soc. Lect. Note Ser. 352, 89--120 (2008)].