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We investigate the problem of characterising the family of strongly quasipositive links which have definite symmetrised Seifert forms and apply our results to the problem of determining when such a link can have an L-space cyclic branched…
Define the complete n-complex on N vertices to be the n-skeleton of an (N-1)-simplex. We show that embeddings of sufficiently large complete n-complexes in R^{2n+1} necessarily exhibit complicated linking behaviour, thereby extending known…
In this paper we construct a homomorphism of the affine braid group $Br_n^{aff}$ in the convolution algebra of the equivariant matrix factorizations on the space $\overline{\mathcal{X}}_2=\mathfrak{b}_n\times GL_n\times\mathfrak{n}_n$…
The contents of this 6-page paper have been subsumed into the 13-page paper, "A note on closed 3-braids", arXiv:0802.1072 [math.GT]. This paper is correct, but contains less information than the new one. The topological classification of…
An $n$-plat 1-knot is one isotopic to the plat closure of some $2n$-braid, which is also called an $n$-bridge 1-knot. Schubert classified 2-bridge 1-knots by considering their double branched covers which are homeomorphic to lens spaces. A…
We present structures comprised of identical convex polyhedra which are interlocked geometrically. These sets cannot be disassembled by removing individual polyhedra by translations and/or rotations. The shapes that permit interlocking…
We introduce framed versions of the $L$-moves and prove a one move theorem for the extension of the Markov theorem for framed braids. We further introduce framed versions of the Hilden and Pure Hilden groups, we give presentations and we…
We prove that braid group representations associated to braided fusion categories and mapping class group representations associated to modular fusion categories are always semisimple. The proof relies on the theory of extensions in…
Let $m$ be a positive integer and let $\Omega$ be a finite set. The $m$-closure of $G\leq\operatorname{Sym}(\Omega)$ is the largest permutation group on $\Omega$ having the same orbits as $G$ in its induced action on the Cartesian product…
In this paper we first give a one-move version of Markov's braid theorem for knot isotopy in $S^3$ that sharpens the classical theorem. Then a relative version of Markov's theorem concerning a fixed braided portion in the knot. We also…
For a graph $G$ on $[n]$, the $k$-cut complex $\Delta_k(G)$ has facets $[n]\setminus T$, where $T$ ranges over the disconnected $k$-vertex induced subgraphs of $G$. Bayer, Denker, Jeli\'c Milutinovi\'c, Sundaram, and Xue proved that the…
We study the existence of branched coverings between closed $3$-manifolds, with emphasis on universal knots and links. We prove that the only closed $3$-manifolds that admit a universal link are spherical. Furthermore, we distinguish…
Let $G$ be a nonabelian, simple group with a nontrivial conjugacy class $C \subseteq G$. Let $K$ be a diagram of an oriented knot in $S^3$, thought of as computational input. We show that for each such $G$ and $C$, the problem of counting…
Knots and links which are closed 3-braids are a very special class. Like 2-bridge knots and links, they are simple enough to admit a complete classification. At the same time they are rich enough to serve as a source of examples on which,…
In this paper we work toward the Homflypt skein module of the lens spaces $L(p,1)$, $\mathcal{S}(L(p,1))$, using braids. In particular, we establish the connection between $\mathcal{S}({\rm ST})$, the Homflypt skein module of the solid…
Ozsv\'ath and Szab\'o conjectured that knot Floer homology detects fibred links. We will verify this conjecture for closed 3-braids, by classifying fibred closed 3-braids. In particular, given a nontrivial closed 3-braid, either it is…
The cycling operation is a special kind of conjugation that can be applied to elements in Artin's braid groups, in order to reduce their length. It is a key ingredient of the usual solutions to the conjugacy problem in braid groups. In…
Traditionally, knot theorists have considered projections of knots where there are two strands meeting at every crossing. A multi-crossing is a crossing where more than two strands meet at a single point, such that each strand bisects the…
The trace of $n$-framed surgery on a knot in $S^3$ is a 4-manifold homotopy equivalent to the 2-sphere. We characterise when a generator of the second homotopy group of such a manifold can be realised by a locally flat embedded 2-sphere…
The knot group is the fundamental group of a knot or link complement. A necessary and sufficient conditions for a group to be realized as the knot group of some link was provided. This result was shown using the closed braid method.…