On self-orthogonality and self-duality of matrix-product codes over commutative rings

Abstract

Self-orthogonal codes and self-dual codes, on the one hand, and matrix-product codes, on the other, form important and sought-after classes of linear codes. Combining the two constructions would be advantageous. Adding to this combination the relaxation of the underlying algebraic structures to be commutative rings instead of fields would be even more advantageous. The current article paves a path in this direction. The authors study the problem of self-orthogonality and self-duality of matrix-product codes over a commutative ring with identity. Some methods as well as special matrices are introduced for the construction of such codes. A characterization of such codes in some cases is also given. Some concrete examples as well as applications to torsion codes are presented.