The Knot Spectrum of Random Knot Spaces
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
The Khovanov Homology of Rational Tangles
The Khovanov Homology of Rational Tangles Benjamin Thompson A thesis submitted for the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy with Honours in Pure Mathematics of The Australian National University October, 2016 Dedicated to my family. Even though they’ll never read it. “To feel fulfilled, you must first have a goal that needs fulfilling.” Hidetaka Miyazaki, Edge (280) “Sleep is good. And books are better.” (Tyrion) George R. R. Martin, A Clash of Kings “Let’s love ourselves then we can’t fail to make a better situation.” Lauryn Hill, Everything is Everything iv Declaration Except where otherwise stated, this thesis is my own work prepared under the supervision of Scott Morrison. Benjamin Thompson October, 2016 v vi Acknowledgements What a ride. Above all, I would like to thank my supervisor, Scott Morrison. This thesis would not have been written without your unflagging support, sublime feedback and sage advice. My thesis would have likely consisted only of uninspired exposition had you not provided a plethora of interesting potential topics at the start, and its overall polish would have likely diminished had you not kept me on track right to the end. You went above and beyond what I expected from a supervisor, and as a result I’ve had the busiest, but also best, year of my life so far. I must also extend a huge thanks to Tony Licata for working with me throughout the year too; hopefully we can figure out what’s really going on with the bigradings! So many people to thank, so little time. I thank Joan Licata for agreeing to run a Knot Theory course all those years ago. -
Complete Invariant Graphs of Alternating Knots
Complete invariant graphs of alternating knots Christian Soulié First submission: April 2004 (revision 1) Abstract : Chord diagrams and related enlacement graphs of alternating knots are enhanced to obtain complete invariant graphs including chirality detection. Moreover, the equivalence by common enlacement graph is specified and the neighborhood graph is defined for general purpose and for special application to the knots. I - Introduction : Chord diagrams are enhanced to integrate the state sum of all flype moves and then produce an invariant graph for alternating knots. By adding local writhe attribute to these graphs, chiral types of knots are distinguished. The resulting chord-weighted graph is a complete invariant of alternating knots. Condensed chord diagrams and condensed enlacement graphs are introduced and a new type of graph of general purpose is defined : the neighborhood graph. The enlacement graph is enriched by local writhe and chord orientation. Hence this enhanced graph distinguishes mutant alternating knots. As invariant by flype it is also invariant for all alternating knots. The equivalence class of knots with the same enlacement graph is fully specified and extended mutation with flype of tangles is defined. On this way, two enhanced graphs are proposed as complete invariants of alternating knots. I - Introduction II - Definitions and condensed graphs II-1 Knots II-2 Sign of crossing points II-3 Chord diagrams II-4 Enlacement graphs II-5 Condensed graphs III - Realizability and construction III - 1 Realizability -
THE JONES SLOPES of a KNOT Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1. The
THE JONES SLOPES OF A KNOT STAVROS GAROUFALIDIS Abstract. The paper introduces the Slope Conjecture which relates the degree of the Jones polynomial of a knot and its parallels with the slopes of incompressible surfaces in the knot complement. More precisely, we introduce two knot invariants, the Jones slopes (a finite set of rational numbers) and the Jones period (a natural number) of a knot in 3-space. We formulate a number of conjectures for these invariants and verify them by explicit computations for the class of alternating knots, the knots with at most 9 crossings, the torus knots and the (−2, 3,n) pretzel knots. Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1. The degree of the Jones polynomial and incompressible surfaces 1 1.2. The degree of the colored Jones function is a quadratic quasi-polynomial 3 1.3. q-holonomic functions and quadratic quasi-polynomials 3 1.4. The Jones slopes and the Jones period of a knot 4 1.5. The symmetrized Jones slopes and the signature of a knot 5 1.6. Plan of the proof 7 2. Future directions 7 3. The Jones slopes and the Jones period of an alternating knot 8 4. Computing the Jones slopes and the Jones period of a knot 10 4.1. Some lemmas on quasi-polynomials 10 4.2. Computing the colored Jones function of a knot 11 4.3. Guessing the colored Jones function of a knot 11 4.4. A summary of non-alternating knots 12 4.5. The 8-crossing non-alternating knots 13 4.6. -
A Knot-Vice's Guide to Untangling Knot Theory, Undergraduate
A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory Rebecca Hardenbrook Department of Mathematics University of Utah Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 1 / 26 What is Not a Knot? Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 2 / 26 What is a Knot? 2 A knot is an embedding of the circle in the Euclidean plane (R ). 3 Also defined as a closed, non-self-intersecting curve in R . 2 Represented by knot projections in R . Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 3 / 26 Why Knots? Late nineteenth century chemists and physicists believed that a substance known as aether existed throughout all of space. Could knots represent the elements? Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 4 / 26 Why Knots? Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 5 / 26 Why Knots? Unfortunately, no. Nevertheless, mathematicians continued to study knots! Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 6 / 26 Current Applications Natural knotting in DNA molecules (1980s). Credit: K. Kimura et al. (1999) Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 7 / 26 Current Applications Chemical synthesis of knotted molecules – Dietrich-Buchecker and Sauvage (1988). Credit: J. Guo et al. (2010) Rebecca Hardenbrook A Knot-vice’s Guide to Untangling Knot Theory 8 / 26 Current Applications Use of lattice models, e.g. the Ising model (1925), and planar projection of knots to find a knot invariant via statistical mechanics. Credit: D. Chicherin, V.P. -
Knot Theory: an Introduction
Knot theory: an introduction Zhen Huan Center for Mathematical Sciences Huazhong University of Science and Technology USTC, December 25, 2019 Knots in daily life Shoelace Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 2 / 40 Knots in daily life Braids Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 3 / 40 Knots in daily life Knot bread Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 4 / 40 Knots in daily life German bread: the pretzel Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 5 / 40 Knots in daily life Rope Mat Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 6 / 40 Knots in daily life Chinese Knots Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 7 / 40 Knots in daily life Knot bracelet Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 8 / 40 Knots in daily life Knitting Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 9 / 40 Knots in daily life More Knitting Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 10 / 40 Knots in daily life DNA Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 11 / 40 Knots in daily life Wire Mess Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 12 / 40 History of Knots Chinese talking knots (knotted strings) Inca Quipu Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction USTC, December 25, 2019 13 / 40 History of Knots Endless Knot in Buddhism Zhen Huan (HUST) Knot theory: an introduction -
Knots, Links, Spatial Graphs, and Algebraic Invariants
689 Knots, Links, Spatial Graphs, and Algebraic Invariants AMS Special Session on Algebraic and Combinatorial Structures in Knot Theory AMS Special Session on Spatial Graphs October 24–25, 2015 California State University, Fullerton, CA Erica Flapan Allison Henrich Aaron Kaestner Sam Nelson Editors American Mathematical Society 689 Knots, Links, Spatial Graphs, and Algebraic Invariants AMS Special Session on Algebraic and Combinatorial Structures in Knot Theory AMS Special Session on Spatial Graphs October 24–25, 2015 California State University, Fullerton, CA Erica Flapan Allison Henrich Aaron Kaestner Sam Nelson Editors American Mathematical Society Providence, Rhode Island EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Dennis DeTurck, Managing Editor Michael Loss Kailash Misra Catherine Yan 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 05C10, 57M15, 57M25, 57M27. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Flapan, Erica, 1956- editor. Title: Knots, links, spatial graphs, and algebraic invariants : AMS special session on algebraic and combinatorial structures in knot theory, October 24-25, 2015, California State University, Fullerton, CA : AMS special session on spatial graphs, October 24-25, 2015, California State University, Fullerton, CA / Erica Flapan [and three others], editors. Description: Providence, Rhode Island : American Mathematical Society, [2017] | Series: Con- temporary mathematics ; volume 689 | Includes bibliographical references. Identifiers: LCCN 2016042011 | ISBN 9781470428471 (alk. paper) Subjects: LCSH: Knot theory–Congresses. | Link theory–Congresses. | Graph theory–Congresses. | Invariants–Congresses. | AMS: Combinatorics – Graph theory – Planar graphs; geometric and topological aspects of graph theory. msc | Manifolds and cell complexes – Low-dimensional topology – Relations with graph theory. msc | Manifolds and cell complexes – Low-dimensional topology – Knots and links in S3.msc| Manifolds and cell complexes – Low-dimensional topology – Invariants of knots and 3-manifolds. -
Planar and Spherical Stick Indices of Knots
PLANAR AND SPHERICAL STICK INDICES OF KNOTS COLIN ADAMS, DAN COLLINS, KATHERINE HAWKINS, CHARMAINE SIA, ROB SILVERSMITH, AND BENA TSHISHIKU Abstract. The stick index of a knot is the least number of line segments required to build the knot in space. We define two analogous 2-dimensional invariants, the planar stick index, which is the least number of line segments in the plane to build a projection, and the spherical stick index, which is the least number of great circle arcs to build a projection on the sphere. We find bounds on these quantities in terms of other knot invariants, and give planar stick and spherical stick constructions for torus knots and for compositions of trefoils. In particular, unlike most knot invariants,we show that the spherical stick index distinguishes between the granny and square knots, and that composing a nontrivial knot with a second nontrivial knot need not increase its spherical stick index. 1. Introduction The stick index s[K] of a knot type [K] is the smallest number of straight line segments required to create a polygonal conformation of [K] in space. The stick index is generally difficult to compute. However, stick indices of small crossing knots are known, and stick indices for certain infinite categories of knots have been determined: Theorem 1.1 ([Jin97]). If Tp;q is a (p; q)-torus knot with p < q < 2p, s[Tp;q] = 2q. Theorem 1.2 ([ABGW97]). If nT is a composition of n trefoils, s[nT ] = 2n + 4. Despite the interest in stick index, two-dimensional analogues have not been studied in depth. -
Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants First Draft. Comments
Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants First draft. Comments welcome. July 20, 2010 S. Chmutov S. Duzhin J. Mostovoy The Ohio State University, Mansfield Campus, 1680 Univer- sity Drive, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA E-mail address: [email protected] Steklov Institute of Mathematics, St. Petersburg Division, Fontanka 27, St. Petersburg, 191011, Russia E-mail address: [email protected] Departamento de Matematicas,´ CINVESTAV, Apartado Postal 14-740, C.P. 07000 Mexico,´ D.F. Mexico E-mail address: [email protected] Contents Preface 8 Part 1. Fundamentals Chapter 1. Knots and their relatives 15 1.1. Definitions and examples 15 § 1.2. Isotopy 16 § 1.3. Plane knot diagrams 19 § 1.4. Inverses and mirror images 21 § 1.5. Knot tables 23 § 1.6. Algebra of knots 25 § 1.7. Tangles, string links and braids 25 § 1.8. Variations 30 § Exercises 34 Chapter 2. Knot invariants 39 2.1. Definition and first examples 39 § 2.2. Linking number 40 § 2.3. Conway polynomial 43 § 2.4. Jones polynomial 45 § 2.5. Algebra of knot invariants 47 § 2.6. Quantum invariants 47 § 2.7. Two-variable link polynomials 55 § Exercises 62 3 4 Contents Chapter 3. Finite type invariants 69 3.1. Definition of Vassiliev invariants 69 § 3.2. Algebra of Vassiliev invariants 72 § 3.3. Vassiliev invariants of degrees 0, 1 and 2 76 § 3.4. Chord diagrams 78 § 3.5. Invariants of framed knots 80 § 3.6. Classical knot polynomials as Vassiliev invariants 82 § 3.7. Actuality tables 88 § 3.8. Vassiliev invariants of tangles 91 § Exercises 93 Chapter 4. -
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE P-Coloring Of
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE P-Coloring of Pretzel Knots A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics By Robert Ostrander December 2013 The thesis of Robert Ostrander is approved: |||||||||||||||||| |||||||| Dr. Alberto Candel Date |||||||||||||||||| |||||||| Dr. Terry Fuller Date |||||||||||||||||| |||||||| Dr. Magnhild Lien, Chair Date California State University, Northridge ii Dedications I dedicate this thesis to my family and friends for all the help and support they have given me. iii Acknowledgments iv Table of Contents Signature Page ii Dedications iii Acknowledgements iv Abstract vi Introduction 1 1 Definitions and Background 2 1.1 Knots . .2 1.1.1 Composition of knots . .4 1.1.2 Links . .5 1.1.3 Torus Knots . .6 1.1.4 Reidemeister Moves . .7 2 Properties of Knots 9 2.0.5 Knot Invariants . .9 3 p-Coloring of Pretzel Knots 19 3.0.6 Pretzel Knots . 19 3.0.7 (p1, p2, p3) Pretzel Knots . 23 3.0.8 Applications of Theorem 6 . 30 3.0.9 (p1, p2, p3, p4) Pretzel Knots . 31 Appendix 49 v Abstract P coloring of Pretzel Knots by Robert Ostrander Master of Science in Mathematics In this thesis we give a brief introduction to knot theory. We define knot invariants and give examples of different types of knot invariants which can be used to distinguish knots. We look at colorability of knots and generalize this to p-colorability. We focus on 3-strand pretzel knots and apply techniques of linear algebra to prove theorems about p-colorability of these knots. -
Alexander Polynomial, Finite Type Invariants and Volume of Hyperbolic
ISSN 1472-2739 (on-line) 1472-2747 (printed) 1111 Algebraic & Geometric Topology Volume 4 (2004) 1111–1123 ATG Published: 25 November 2004 Alexander polynomial, finite type invariants and volume of hyperbolic knots Efstratia Kalfagianni Abstract We show that given n > 0, there exists a hyperbolic knot K with trivial Alexander polynomial, trivial finite type invariants of order ≤ n, and such that the volume of the complement of K is larger than n. This contrasts with the known statement that the volume of the comple- ment of a hyperbolic alternating knot is bounded above by a linear function of the coefficients of the Alexander polynomial of the knot. As a corollary to our main result we obtain that, for every m> 0, there exists a sequence of hyperbolic knots with trivial finite type invariants of order ≤ m but ar- bitrarily large volume. We discuss how our results fit within the framework of relations between the finite type invariants and the volume of hyperbolic knots, predicted by Kashaev’s hyperbolic volume conjecture. AMS Classification 57M25; 57M27, 57N16 Keywords Alexander polynomial, finite type invariants, hyperbolic knot, hyperbolic Dehn filling, volume. 1 Introduction k i Let c(K) denote the crossing number and let ∆K(t) := Pi=0 cit denote the Alexander polynomial of a knot K . If K is hyperbolic, let vol(S3 \ K) denote the volume of its complement. The determinant of K is the quantity det(K) := |∆K(−1)|. Thus, in general, we have k det(K) ≤ ||∆K (t)|| := X |ci|. (1) i=0 It is well know that the degree of the Alexander polynomial of an alternating knot equals twice the genus of the knot. -
Alternating Knots
ALTERNATING KNOTS WILLIAM W. MENASCO Abstract. This is a short expository article on alternating knots and is to appear in the Concise Encyclopedia of Knot Theory. Introduction Figure 1. P.G. Tait's first knot table where he lists all knot types up to 7 crossings. (From reference [6], courtesy of J. Hoste, M. Thistlethwaite and J. Weeks.) 3 ∼ A knot K ⊂ S is alternating if it has a regular planar diagram DK ⊂ P(= S2) ⊂ S3 such that, when traveling around K , the crossings alternate, over-under- over-under, all the way along K in DK . Figure1 show the first 15 knot types in P. G. Tait's earliest table and each diagram exhibits this alternating pattern. This simple arXiv:1901.00582v1 [math.GT] 3 Jan 2019 definition is very unsatisfying. A knot is alternating if we can draw it as an alternating diagram? There is no mention of any geometric structure. Dissatisfied with this characterization of an alternating knot, Ralph Fox (1913-1973) asked: "What is an alternating knot?" black white white black Figure 2. Going from a black to white region near a crossing. 1 2 WILLIAM W. MENASCO Let's make an initial attempt to address this dissatisfaction by giving a different characterization of an alternating diagram that is immediate from the over-under- over-under characterization. As with all regular planar diagrams of knots in S3, the regions of an alternating diagram can be colored in a checkerboard fashion. Thus, at each crossing (see figure2) we will have \two" white regions and \two" black regions coming together with similarly colored regions being kitty-corner to each other. -
Knot Cobordisms, Bridge Index, and Torsion in Floer Homology
KNOT COBORDISMS, BRIDGE INDEX, AND TORSION IN FLOER HOMOLOGY ANDRAS´ JUHASZ,´ MAGGIE MILLER AND IAN ZEMKE Abstract. Given a connected cobordism between two knots in the 3-sphere, our main result is an inequality involving torsion orders of the knot Floer homology of the knots, and the number of local maxima and the genus of the cobordism. This has several topological applications: The torsion order gives lower bounds on the bridge index and the band-unlinking number of a knot, the fusion number of a ribbon knot, and the number of minima appearing in a slice disk of a knot. It also gives a lower bound on the number of bands appearing in a ribbon concordance between two knots. Our bounds on the bridge index and fusion number are sharp for Tp;q and Tp;q#T p;q, respectively. We also show that the bridge index of Tp;q is minimal within its concordance class. The torsion order bounds a refinement of the cobordism distance on knots, which is a metric. As a special case, we can bound the number of band moves required to get from one knot to the other. We show knot Floer homology also gives a lower bound on Sarkar's ribbon distance, and exhibit examples of ribbon knots with arbitrarily large ribbon distance from the unknot. 1. Introduction The slice-ribbon conjecture is one of the key open problems in knot theory. It states that every slice knot is ribbon; i.e., admits a slice disk on which the radial function of the 4-ball induces no local maxima.