Related papers: Bridge Positions and Plat Presentations of Links
For each integer $n\ge 1$, after fixing a proper complexity function on the braid group $\B_{2n}$, we use the Dehornoy order to define a strict total order on the set \[ \mathcal P_{2n}=H_{2n}\backslash \B_{2n}/H_{2n} \] of $2n$--plat…
In this paper we study the relationships between links in plat position, the dynamics of the braid group, and Heegaard splittings of double branched covers of $S^3$ over a link. These relationships offer new ways to view links in plat…
Given a knot or link in the handlebody, $H_g$, of genus $g$ we prove that it can always be represented as the plat closure of a braid in $H_g$. We further establish the Hilden braid group for the handlebody, as a subgroup of the mixed braid…
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…
In this paper we provide a solution to the double coset problem for the braid group $B_n$ modulo the Hilden subgroup $H_n.$ This result demonstrates that, as in the case of braid closures, the Link Problem for plat closures is "stably…
In this article, we propose a new approach for describing and understanding knots and links in a 3-manifold through the use of an embedded non-orientable surface. Specifically, we define a plat-like representation based on this…
Our main results concern changing an arbitrary plat presentation of a split or composite link to one which is obviously recognizable as being split or composite. Pocket moves, first described in \cite{unlinkviaplats}, are utilized -- a…
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,…
We study the degree of polynomial representations of knots. We obtain the lexicographic degree for two-bridge torus knots and generalized twist knots. The proof uses the braid theoretical method developed by Orevkov to study real plane…
We study certain linear representations of the knot group that induce augmentations of knot contact homology. This perspective on augmentations enhances our understanding of the relationship between the augmentation polynomial and the…
We discuss 3-manifolds which are cyclic coverings of the 3-sphere, branched over 2-bridge knots and links. Different descriptions of these manifolds are presented: polyhedral, Heegaard diagram, Dehn surgery and coloured graph constructions.…
Our main result is a version of Birman's theorem about equivalence of plats, which does not involve stabilization, for the unlink. We introduce the pocket and flip moves, which modify a plat without changing its link type or bridge index.…
We study the degree of polynomial representations of knots. We give the lexicographic degree of all two-bridge knots with 11 or fewer crossings. First, we estimate the total degree of a lexicographic parametrisation of such a knot. This…
This is an expository article on diagrammatic representations of knots and links in various settings via braids.
Any knot $K$ in genus-$1$ $1$-bridge position can be moved by isotopy to lie in a union of $n$ parallel tori tubed by $n-1$ tubes so that $K$ intersects each tube in two spanning arcs, which we call a leveling of the position. The minimal…
Suppose a knot in a $3$-manifold is in $n$-bridge position. We consider a reduction of the knot along a bridge disk $D$ and show that the result is an $(n-1)$-bridge position if and only if there is a bridge disk $E$ such that $(D, E)$ is a…
In this paper, we introduce a method, called a plat form, of describing a surface-link in the 4-space using a braided surface. We prove that every surface-link, which is not necessarily orientable, can be described in a plat form. The plat…
J. Hempel's definition of the distance of a Heegaard surface generalizes to a complexity for a knot which is in bridge position with respect to a Heegaard surface. Our main result is that the distance of a knot in bridge position is bounded…
This paper concerns the H(2)-unknotting numbers of links related to 2-bridge links. It consists of three parts. In the first part, we consider a necessary and sufficient condition for a 2-bridge link to have H(2)-unknotting number one. The…
We discuss the fundamental (relative) 3-classes of knots (or hyperbolic links), and provide diagrammatic descriptions of the push-forwards with respect to every link-group representation. The point is an observation of a bridge between the…