On different families of invariant irreducible polynomials over \(\mathbb F_2\) (Q973964)

Sending \(X\) to \(X+1\) in an irreducible polynomial over the field with two elements, respectively taking the reciprocal of a polynomial leads to a left action of the permutation group \(S_3\) (both actions are transpositions that generate \(S_3\)). To each subgroup of \(S_3\) the authors attach the family of its invariant irreducible polynomials. Enumeration formulas for the trivial subgroup and for one transposition subgroup were given by Gauss and Carlitz [\textit{L. Carlitz}, J. Reine Angew. Math. 227, 212--220 (1967; Zbl 0155.09801)]. These allow one, respectively, to enumerate all the irreducible and self-reciprocal irreducible polynomials. In this paper the authors obtain an enumeration formula (over the field of two elements) for the remaining case where the subgroup is \(A_3\). The formula allows also to compute the number of orbits of irreducible polynomials, which sequence (as the degree increases) appeared in a chemistry work of McLarnan about packing atoms.