Related papers: $\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbb{C})$-holonomy invariants of…
The scope of the paper is threefold. First, we build on recent work by Hayden to compute Hedden's tau-invariant $\tau_{\xi}(L)$ in the case when $\xi$ is a Stein fillable contact structure on a rational homology sphere, and $L$ is a…
We generalize the colored Jones polynomial to $4$-valent graphs. This generalization is given as a sequence of invariants in which the first term is a one variable specialization of the Kauffman-Vogel polynomial. We use the invariant we…
We consider two well known constructions of link invariants. One uses skein theory: you resolve each crossing of the link as a linear combination of things that don't cross, until you eventually get a linear combination of links with no…
It has been argued based on electric-magnetic duality and other ingredients that the Jones polynomial of a knot in three dimensions can be computed by counting the solutions of certain gauge theory equations in four dimensions. Here, we…
For every positive integer $n$ we construct a bigraded homology theory for links, such that the corresponding invariant of the unknot is closely related to the U(n)-equivariant cohomology ring of $\mathbb{CP}^{n-1}$; our construction…
We construct a bigraded (co)homology theory which depends on a parameter a, and whose graded Euler characteristic is the quantum sl(2) link invariant. We follow Bar-Natan's approach to tangles on one side, and Khovanov's sl(3) theory for…
From the work of X. S. Lin and Z. Wang, it follows that degree two knot invariant admits a decomposition into the sum of a Gauss diagram count and a term involving Arnold invariants. In this paper we establish an analogous description for…
Recent progress in string theory has led to a reformulation of quantum-group polynomial invariants for knots and links into new polynomial invariants whose coefficients can be understood in topological terms. We describe in detail how to…
In this paper, we study the asymptotics of the colored Jones polynomials of the Whitehead chains with one belt colored by $M_1$ and all the clasps colored by $M_2$ evaluated at the $(N+1/2)$-th root of unity $t=e^{\frac{2\pi i}{N+1/2}}$,…
The Jones polynomial and Khovanov homology of a classical link are invariants that depend upon an initial choice of orientation for the link. In this paper, we give a Khovanov homology theory for unoriented virtual links. The graded Euler…
A polynomial is presented that models a topological knot in a unique manner. It distinguishes all types of knots including the orientation and has a group theory interpretation. The topologies may be labeled via a number, which upon a base…
Link/knot invariants are series with integer coefficients, and it is a long-standing problem to get them positive and possessing cohomological interpretation. Constructing positive "superpolynomials" is not straightforward, especially for…
We extend the Gordon-Litherland pairing to links in thickened surfaces, and use it to define signature, determinant, and nullity invariants for links that bound (unoriented) spanning surfaces. The invariants are seen to depend only on the…
A bottom tangle is a tangle in a cube consisting of arc components whose boundary points are on a line in the bottom square of the cube. A ribbon bottom tangle is a bottom tangle whose closure is a ribbon link. For every n-component ribbon…
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the categorical structure for a method of defining quantum invariants of knots, links and three-manifolds. These invariants can be defined in terms of right integrals on certain Hopf algebras. We call…
Closed geodesics associated with indefinite binary quadratic forms, or equivalently with real quadratic irrationals, have long been studied as geometric $\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbb{Z})$-invariants. Building on the Birman-Williams approach to…
Inspired by the low wave-length limit of topological M-theory, which re-constructs the theory of $3+1$D gravity in the self-dual variables' formulation, and by the realization that in Loop Quantum Gravity the holonomy of a flat connection…
In this article we construct link invariants and 3-manifold invariants from the quantum group associated with Lie superalgebra $\mathfrak{sl}(2|1)$. This construction based on nilpotent irreducible finite dimensional representations of…
In this thesis we work with Khovanov homology of links and its generalizations, as well as with the homology of graphs. Khovanov homology of links consists of graded chain complexes which are link invariants, up to chain homotopy, with…
This is the second of a series of two technical papers devoted to the analysis of holonomy invariants in strict higher gauge theory with end applications in higher Chern--Simons theory. We provide a definition of trace over a crossed module…