The arithmetic of Carmichael quotients (Q343258)

Let \(m\) \((\geq 2)\) and \(a\) be relatively prime integers. The Euler quotient of \(m\) with base \(a\) is \[ Q_m(a)={a^{\varphi(m)}-1\over m}, \] where \(\varphi\) is Euler's totient function. If \(Q_m(a)\equiv 0\pmod{m}\), then \(m\) is a Wieferich number with base \(a\). See \textit{T. Agoh} et al. [J. Number Theory 66, No. 1, 29--50 (1997; Zbl 0884.11003)]. For \(m=p\) (a prime) we have the Fermat quotient and the Wieferich prime with base \(a\). The Carmichael function \(\lambda(m)\) is defined as the exponent of the group \(\mathbb{Z}_m^{\ast}\). The author defines the Carmichael quotient of \(m\) with base \(a\) as \[ C_m(a)={a^{\lambda(m)}-1\over m}. \] Further, if \(C_m(a)\equiv 0\pmod{m}\), then \(m\) is a Carmichael-Wieferich number with base \(a\). The author extends many known results about Fermat quotients or Euler quotients to Carmichael quotients by using the same techniques, such as basic arithmetic properties with special emphasis on congruences, the least periods of sequences derived from Carmichael quotient and Carmichael-Wieferich numbers. Finally, the author connects Carmichael quotients to perfect nonlinear functions.