On planar functions over $\mathbb{F}_{q^3}$

Abstract

Let $\mathbb{F}_q$ denote the finite field of order $q$. For $q$ odd, we investigate the planarity over $\mathbb{F}_{q^3}$ of the family $$ f_{E,A,B,C,D}(X) := EX^2+ AX^{q+1}+ BX^{q^2+1}+CX^{2q} +DX^{2q^2}\in \mathbb{F}_{q}[X]. $$ Using results from the theory of q-polynomials, we establish conditions under which these polynomials are planar functions. In particular, we provide characterizations for the planarity property and present new families of planar trinomials, quadrinomials, and pentanomials.