Back to the Future: The Evolution of Coding Theory Through Reed Muller Codes

Explore the evolution of coding theory through the lens of Reed Muller codes in this 50-minute lecture by Robert Calderbank from Duke University. Trace the journey from the pre-computer era of sphere packing mathematics to the rise of algebraic coding with Reed Muller and Reed Solomon codes. Discover how the advent of powerful computers shifted focus to iterative algorithms, and learn why Reed Muller codes are regaining prominence in the age of quantum computing. Gain insights into the historical context and future implications of coding theory in this comprehensive talk from the Simons Institute.