English

An Alexander polynomial for MOY graphs

Geometric Topology 2020-03-31 v3

Abstract

We introduce an Alexander polynomial for MOY graphs. For a framed trivalent MOY graph G\mathbb{G}, we refine the construction and obtain a framed ambient isotopy invariant Δ(G,c)(t)\Delta_{(\mathbb{G},c)}(t). The invariant Δ(G,c)(t)\Delta_{(\mathbb{G}, c)}(t) satisfies a series of relations, which we call MOY-type relations, and conversely these relations determine Δ(G,c)(t)\Delta_{(\mathbb{G}, c)}(t). Using them we provide a graphical definition of the Alexander polynomial of a link. Finally, we discuss some properties and applications of our invariants.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1708.09092,
  title  = {An Alexander polynomial for MOY graphs},
  author = {Yuanyuan Bao and Zhongtao Wu},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1708.09092},
  year   = {2020}
}

Comments

This version is accepted for publication in Selecta Mathematica. We thank the referee for careful reading and many helpful comments

R2 v1 2026-06-22T21:27:28.720Z