It is natural to try to place the new polynomial invariants of links in algebraic topology (e.g. to try to interpret them using homology or homotopy groups). However, one can think that these new polynomial invariants are byproducts of a new more delicate algebraic invariant of 3-manifolds which measures the obstruction to isotopy of links (which are homotopic). We propose such an algebraic invariant based on skein theory introduced by Conway (1969) and developed by Giller (1982) as well as Lickorish and Millett (1987). (This is the first paper I wrote about skein modules, almost 20 years ago. The recent survey of skein modules is available at http://arxiv.org/abs/math.GT/0602264.)
Given a Heegaard splitting of a closed 3-manifold, the skein modules of the two handlebodies are modules over the skein algebra of their common boundary surface. The zeroth Hochschild homology of the skein algebra of a surface with coefficients in the tensor product of the skein modules of two handlebodies is interpreted as the skein module of the 3-manifold obtained by gluing the two handlebodies together along this surface. A spectral sequence associated to the Hochschild complex is constructed and conditions are given for the existence of algebraic torsion in the skein module of this 3-mani…
We show that for the Kauffman bracket skein module over the field of rational functions in variable A, the module of a connected sum of 3-manifolds is the tensor product of modules of the individual manifolds.
A new method to derive presentations of skein modules is developed. For the case of homotopy skein modules it will be shown how the topology of a 3-manifold is reflected in the structure of the module. The freeness problem for q-homotopy skein modules is solved, and a natural skein module related to linking numbers is computed.
This paper resolves the problem of comparing the skein modules defined using the skein relations discovered by R. Kirby and P. Melvin that underlie the Reshetikhin-Turaev model for $SU(2)$ Chern-Simons theory to the Kauffman bracket skein modules. Several applications and examples are presented.
We introduce higher skein modules of links generalizing the Conway skein module. We show that these modules are closely connected to the HOMFLY polynomial.
Skein modules are the main objects of an algebraic topology based on knots (or position). In the same spirit as Leibniz we would call our approach "algebra situs." When looking at the panorama of skein modules we see, past the rolling hills of homologies and homotopies, distant mountains - the Kauffman bracket skein module, and farther off in the distance skein modules based on other quantum invariants. We concentrate here on the basic properties of the Kauffman bracket skein module; properties fundamental in further development of the theory. In particular we consider the relative Kauffman br…
We study the concept of the fourth skein module of 3-manifolds, that is a skein module based on the skein relation b_0L_0 + b_1L_1 + b_2L_2 + b_3L_3 = 0 and a framing relation L^{(1)} = aL, where a, b_0, b_3 are invertible. We introdule the concept of n-algebraic tangles (and links) and analyze the skein module for 3-algebraic links. As a byproduct we prove the Montesinos-Nakanishi 3-move conjecture for 3-algebraic links (including 3-bridge links).
We reprove and expand results of Bonahon and Wong on central elements of the Kauffman bracket skein modules at root of 1 and on the existence of the Chebyshev homomorphism, using elementary skein methods.
We show that the Kauffman bracket skein modules of certain manifolds obtained from integral surgery on a (2,2b) torus link are finitely generated, and list the generators for select examples.
For a ring $R$, we denote by $R[\mathcal L]$ the free $R$-module spanned by the isotopy classes of singular links in $\mathbb S^3$. Given two invertible elements $x,t \in R$, the HOMFLY-PT skein module of singular links in $\mathbb S^3$ (relative to the triple $(R,t,x)$) is the quotient of $R[\mathcal L]$ by local relations, called skein relations, that involve $t$ and $x$. We compute the HOMFLY-PT skein module of singular links for any $R$ such that $(t^{-1}-t+x)$ and $(t^{-1}-t-x)$ are invertible. In particular, we deduce the Conway skein module of singular links.
We give a survey of some old and new results about the stated skein modules/algebras of 3-manifolds/surfaces. For generic quantum parameter, we discuss the splitting homomorphism for the 3-manifold case, general structures of the stated skein algebras of marked surfaces (or bordered punctured surfaces) and their embeddings into quantum tori. For roots of 1 quantum parameter, we discuss the Frobenius homomorphism (for both marked 3-manifolds and marked surfaces), describe the center of the skein algebra of marked surfaces, the dimension of the skein algebra over the center, and the representati…
This paper is a presentation, where we compute the HOMFLYPT Skein module of singular links in the 3-sphere. This calculation is based on some results previously proved by Rabenda and the author on Markov traces on singular Hecke algebras, as well as on classical techniques that allow to pass from the framework of Markov traces on Hecke algebras to the framework of HOMFLYPT Skein modules. Some open problems on singular Hecke algebras are also presented.
In this paper we disprove a twenty-two year old theorem about the structure of the Kauffman bracket skein module of the connected sum of two handlebodies. We achieve this by analysing handle slidings on compressing discs in a handlebody. We find more relations than previously predicted for the Kauffman bracket skein module of the connected sum of handlebodies, when one of them is not a solid torus. Additionally, we speculate on the structure of the Kauffman bracket skein module of the connected sum of two solid tori.
In this paper we give an alternative basis, $\mathcal{B}_{\rm ST}$, for the Kauffman bracket skein module of the solid torus, ${\rm KBSM}\left({\rm ST}\right)$. The basis $\mathcal{B}_{\rm ST}$ is obtained with the use of the Tempereley--Lieb algebra of type B and it is appropriate for computing the Kauffman bracket skein module of the lens spaces $L(p, q)$ via braids.
We introduce an embedding of the Torelli group of a compact connected oriented surface with non-empty connected boundary into the completed Kauffman bracket skein algebra of the surface, which gives a new construction of the first Johnson homomorphism.
In this paper, we compute the graph skein algebra of the punctured disk with two holes. Then, we apply the graph skein techniques developed here to establish necessary conditions for a spatial graph to have a symmetry of order $p$, where $p$ is a prime. The obstruction criteria introduced here extend some results obtained earlier for symmetric spatial graphs.
We study spanning sets for the Kauffman bracket skein module $\mathcal{S}(M,\mathbb{Q}(A))$ of orientable Seifert fibered spaces with orientable base and non-empty boundary. As a consequence, we show that the KBSM of such manifolds is a finitely generated $\mathcal{S}(\partial M, \mathbb{Q}(A))$-module.
In this paper we introduce the notion of admissible skein modules associated to an ideal in a pivotal category. We explain how these modules are generalizations of the Kauffman skein algebra and how they relate to renormalized quantum invariants coming from non-semisimple categories.
We determine the action of the Kauffman bracket skein algebra of the torus on the Kauffman bracket skein module of the complement of the 3-twist knot. The point is to study the relationship between knot complements and their boundary tori, an idea that has proved very fruitful in knot theory. We place this idea in the context of Chern-Simons theory, where such actions arose in connection with the computation of the noncommutative version of the A-polynomial that was defined by Frohman, Gelca and Lofaro, but they can also be interpreted as quantum mechanical systems. Our goal is to exhibit a de…
Carrega has shown that the Kauffman bracket skein module of the 3-torus over the field of rational functions in the variable A can be generated by 9 skein elements. We show this set of generators is linearly independent.
Frobenius extensions play a central role in the link homology theories based upon the sl(n) link variants, and each of these Frobenius extensions may be recast geometrically via a category of marked cobordisms in the manner of Bar-Natan. Here we explore a large family of such marked cobordism categories that are relevant to generalized sl(n) link homology theories. We also investigate the skein modules that result from embedding these marked cobordisms within 3-manifolds, and arrive at an explicit presentation for several of these generalized skein modules.
We compute the Kauffman skein module of the complement of torus knots in S^3. Precisely, we show that these modules are isomorphic to the algebra of Sl(2,C)-characters tensored with the ring of Laurent polynomials.
We show that the Kauffman bracket skein module of a cylinder over the torus embeds as a subalgebra of the noncommutative torus. Using this we derive nice formulas for the Jones-Wenzl idempotents and analyze the structure of the Kauffman bracket skein module of the unknot as a module over the Kauffman bracket skein module of a cylinder over the torus.
We compute the action of the $\mathfrak{gl}_2$-skein algebra of the torus on the $\mathfrak{gl}_2$-skein module of the solid torus. As a result, we show that the $\mathfrak{gl}_2$-skein modules of lens spaces is spanned by $\left(\left\lfloor{\frac{p}{2}}\right \rfloor+1\right)\left(2\left\lfloor{\frac{p}{2}}\right \rfloor+1\right)$ elements.
We introduce a new skein module for three manifolds based on properly embedded surfaces and their relations introduced by D.Bar-Natan, and modified by M.Khovanov. We compute the structure of the modules for some manifolds, including Seifert fibred manifolds.
We use recoupling theory to study the Kauffman bracket skein module of the quaternionic manifold over Z[A,A^{-1}] localized by inverting all the cyclotomic polynomials. We prove that the skein module is spanned by five elements. Using the quantum invariants of these skein elements and the Z_2 homology of the manifold, we determine that they are linearly independent.
Diagrams and Reidemeister moves for links in a twisted S^1-bundle over an unorientable surface are introduced. Using these diagrams, we compute the Kauffman Bracket Skein Module (KBSM) of the connected sum of two projective spaces. In particular, we show that it has torsion. We also present a new computation of the KBSM of S^1 x S^2 and the lens spaces L(p,1).
We give a new, algebraically computable formula for skein modules of closed 3-manifolds via Heegaard splittings. As an application, we prove that skein modules of closed 3-manifolds are finite-dimensional, resolving in the affirmative a conjecture of Witten.
For each Frobenius algebra there is defined a skein module of surfaces embedded in a given 3-manifold and bounding a prescribed curve system in the boundary. The skein relations are local and generate the kernel of a certain natural extension of the corresponding topological quantum field theory. In particular the skein module of the 3-ball is isomorphic to the ground ring of the Frobenius algebra. We prove a presentation theorem for the skein module with generators incompressible surfaces colored by elements of a generating set of the Frobenius algebra, and with relations determined by tubing…
In Guts, Volume and Skein Modules of 3-Manifolds (arXiv:2010.06559), we showed that the twist number of certain hyperbolic weakly generalized alternating links can be recovered from a Jones-like polynomial, and offers a lower bound for the volume of the link complement. Here, we modify the proof to work for a larger class of links.
Let $A\neq 0$ be a complex number with $ |A|\neq 1$. Let $M$ be a compact smooth oriented $3$-manifold, the $SU(3)$-skein space of $M$, $S_A(M)$, is the vector space over $\mathbb{C}$ generated by framed oriented links (including framed oriented trivalent graphs in $M$) quotient by the $SU(3)$-skein relations due to Kuperberg. For a closed, orientable surface $F$, we construct a local diffeomorphism invariant trace on $S_A(F\times I)$.
We give an explicit formula for the action of the Dehn twist along a simple closed curve in a compact connected oriented surface on the completion of the filtered skein modules. To do this, we introduce filtrations of the Kauffman bracket skein algebra and the Kauffman bracket skein modules on the surface.
We prove that, in order to derive the HOMFLYPT skein module of the lens spaces $L(p,1)$ from the HOMFLYPT skein module of the solid torus, $\mathcal{S}({\rm ST})$, it suffices to solve an infinite system of equations obtained by imposing on the Lambropoulou invariant $X$ for knots and links in the solid torus, braid band moves that are performed only on the first moving strand of elements in a set $Λ^{aug}$, augmenting the basis $Λ$ of $\mathcal{S}({\rm ST})$.
Relations between the string topology of Chas and Sullivan and the homotopy skein modules of Hoste and Przytycki are studied. This provides new insight into the structure of homotopy skein modules and their meaning in the framework of quantum topology. Our results can be considered as weak extensions to all orientable 3-manifolds of classical results by Turaev and Goldman concerning intersection and skein theory on oriented surfaces.
We discuss several open problems in classical Knot Theory and we develop techniques that allow us to study them: Lagrangian tangles, skein modules and Burnside groups.
The Kauffman bracket skein module $K(M)$ of a $3$-manifold $M$ is the quotient of the $\mathbb{Q}(A)$-vector space spanned by isotopy classes of links in $M$ by the Kauffman relations. A conjecture of Witten states that if $M$ is closed then $K(M)$ is finite dimensional. We introduce a version of this conjecture for manifolds with boundary and prove a stability property for generic Dehn-filling of knots. As a result we provide the first hyperbolic examples of the conjecture, proving that almost all Dehn-fillings of any two-bridge knot satisfies the conjecture.
Let Sigma be a closed oriented surface of genus g. We show that the Kauffman bracket skein module of Sigma x S^1 over the field of rational functions in A has dimension at least 2^{2g+1}+2g-1.
This paper is based on my talks (`Skein modules with a cubic skein relation: properties and speculations' and `Symplectic structure on colorings, Lagrangian tangles and its applications') given in Kyoto (RIMS), September 11 and September 18 respectively, 2001. The first three sections closely follow the talks: starting from elementary moves on links and ending on applications to unknotting number motivated by a skein module deformation of a 3-move. The theory of skein modules is outlined in the problem section of these proceedings. In the first section we make the point that despite its long h…
Let k be an integral domain containing the invertible elements α, s and \frac{1}{s-s^{-1}}. If M is an oriented 3-manifold, let K(M) denote the Kauffman skein module of M over k. Based on the work on Birman-Murakami-Wenzl algebra by Beliakova and Blanchet, we give an ``idempotent-like'' basis for the Kauffman skein module of handlebodies. Gilmer and Zhong have studied the Homflypt skein modules of a connected sum of two 3-manifolds, here we study the case for the Kauffman skein module and show that K(M_1 # M_2) is isomorphic to K(M_1) tensor K(M_2) over a certain localized ring, where M_1 # M_…
Morrison, Walker, and Wedrich used the blob complex to construct a generalization of Khovanov-Rozansky homology to links in the boundary of a 4-manifold. The degree zero part of their theory, called the skein lasagna module, admits an elementary definition in terms of certain diagrams in the 4-manifold. We give a description of the skein lasagna module for 4-manifolds without 1- and 3-handles, and present some explicit calculations for disk bundles over $S^2$.
We introduce a formula for the action of Dehn twists on the HOMFLY-PT type skein module of a surface. As an application of the formula to mapping class group, we give an embedding from the Torelli group of a surface $Σ_{g,1}$ of genus $g$ with non-empty connected boundary into the completed HOMFLY-PT type skein algebra. As an application of the formula to integral homology $3$-spheres, we construct an invariant $z(M) \in \mathbb{Q} [ρ] [[h]]$ for an integral homology $3$-sphere $M$. The invariant $z(M) \mod (h^{n+1})$ is a finite type invariant of order $n$.
We study the stated skein modules of marked 3-manifolds. We generalize the splitting homomorphism for stated skein algebras of surfaces to a splitting homomorphism for stated skein modules of 3-manifolds. We show that there exists a Chebyshev-Frobenius homomorphism for the stated skein modules of 3-manifolds which extends the Chebyshev homomorphism of the skein algebras of unmarked surfaces originally constructed by Bonahon and Wong. Additionally, we show that the Chebyshev-Frobenius map commutes with the splitting homomorphism. This is then used to show that in the case of the stated skein al…
This paper establishes an isomorphism between the Bar-Natan skein module of the solid torus with a particular boundary curve system and the homology of the (n,n) Springer variety. The results build on Khovanov's work with crossingless matchings and the cohomology of the (n,n) Springer variety. We also give a formula for comultiplication in the Bar-Natan skein module for this specific three-manifold and boundary curve system.
For a 3-manifold $M$ with boundary, we study the Kauffman module with indeterminate equal to $-1+ε$ where $ε^2=0$. We conjecture an explicit relation between this module and the Reidemeister torsion of $M$ which we prove in particular cases. As a maybe useful tool, we then introduce a notion of twisted self-linking and prove that it satisfies the Kauffman relations at first order. These questions come from considerations on asymptotics of quantum invariants.
Let k be a subring of the field of rational functions in α, s which contains α^{1}, α^{-1}, s^{1}, s^{-1}, . Let M be a compact oriented 3-manifold, and let K(M) denote the Kauffman skein module of M over k. Then K(M) is the free k-module generated by isotopy classes of framed links in M modulo the Kauffman skein relations. In the case of k={Q}(α, s), the field of rational functions in α, s, we give a basis for the Kauffman skein module of the solid torus and a basis for the relative Kauffman skein module of the solid torus with two points on the boundary. We then show that K(S^{1} \times S^2)…
We show that we can release the rigidity of the skew Howe duality process for ${\mathfrak sl}_n$ knot invariants by rescaling the quantum Weyl group action, and recover skein modules for web-tangles. This skew Howe duality phenomenon can be extended to the affine ${\mathfrak sl}_m$ case, corresponding to looking at tangles embedded in a solid torus. We investigate the relations between the invariants constructed by evaluation representations (and affinization of them) and usual skein modules, and give tools for interpretations of annular skein modules as sub-algebras of intertwiners for partic…
The Kauffman bracket skein module $S(M)$ of a 3-manifold $M$ is a $\mathbb{Q}(A)$-vector space spanned by links in $M$ modulo the so-called Kauffman relations. In this article, for any closed oriented surface $Σ$ we provide an explicit spanning family for the skein modules $S(Σ\times S^1)$. Combined with earlier work of Gilmer and Masbaum, we answer their question about the dimension of $S(Σ\times S^1)$ being $2^{2g+1} + 2g -1$.
Algebra Situs is a branch of mathematics which has its roots in Jones' construction of his polynomial invariant of links and Drinfeld's work on quantum groups. It encompasses the theory of quantum invariants of knots and 3-manifolds, algebraic topology based on knots, operads, planar algebras, q-deformations, quantum groups, and overlaps with algebraic geometry, non-commutative geometry and statistical mechanics. Algebraic topology based on knots may be characterized as a study of properties of manifolds by considering links (submanifolds) in a manifold and their algebraic structure. The main …
