Ternary m-sequences with three-valued cross-correlation function: new decimations of Welch and Niho type (Q4544580)

The authors consider cross-correlation functions for pairs of ternary sequences of maximal period \(3^n-1\), where \(n=2m+1,\) and namely, when the two sequences differ by the decimation \(d=2\cdot 3^m+1\) and by the decimation \(d=2\cdot 3^r+1,\) where \(4r+1 \equiv 0\pmod n.\) In the first case they prove that the cross-correlation function takes on three different values. This can be considered as a proof of the ``ternary Welch conjecture''. In the latter case the authors conjecture that the cross-correlation function is also three-valued (``ternary Niho conjecture''). They assert that they have passed partially some of the necessary steps for proving this conjecture.