Skip to main content

Small Field Arithmetic

Definition

Small Field Arithmetic refers to mathematical operations performed within a finite field where the number of elements is relatively small. These operations are fundamental to many cryptographic algorithms, particularly in elliptic curve cryptography and zero-knowledge proofs, due to their efficiency and security properties. The constrained nature of these fields allows for precise and verifiable computations while limiting the computational resources required. It is a core component of modern cryptographic design.