Vandermonde sets and hyperovals

Abstract

We consider relationships between Vandermonde sets and hyperovals. Hyperovals are Vandermonde sets, but, in general, Vandermonde sets are not hyperovals. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a Vandermonde set to be a hyperoval. Therefore, we provide purely algebraic criteria for existence of hyperovals. Furthermore, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of hyperovals in terms of $g$-functions, which can be considered as an analog of Glynn's Theorem for o-polynomials.