An Introduction to Knot TheoryThis account is an introduction to mathematical knot theory, the theory of knots and links of simple closed curves in three-dimensional space. Knots can be studied at many levels and from many points of view. They can be admired as artifacts of the decorative arts and crafts, or viewed as accessible intimations of a geometrical sophistication that may never be attained. The study of knots can be given some motivation in terms of applications in molecular biology or by reference to paral lels in equilibrium statistical mechanics or quantum field theory. Here, however, knot theory is considered as part of geometric topology. Motivation for such a topological study of knots is meant to come from a curiosity to know how the ge ometry of three-dimensional space can be explored by knotting phenomena using precise mathematics. The aim will be to find invariants that distinguish knots, to investigate geometric properties of knots and to see something of the way they interact with more adventurous three-dimensional topology. The book is based on an expanded version of notes for a course for recent graduates in mathematics given at the University of Cambridge; it is intended for others with a similar level of mathematical understanding. In particular, a knowledge of the very basic ideas of the fundamental group and of a simple homology theory is assumed; it is, after all, more important to know about those topics than about the intricacies of knot theory. |
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2-sphere 3-manifold Alexander polynomial Algebraic alternating diagram annulus arcs Arf invariant ascending diagram base point boundary bounds a disc calculation changed Chapter coefficients Consider Conway polynomial copies Corollary covering map crossing number defined definition disjoint element embedded exterior finite follows framed link fundamental group gluing homeomorphism HOMFLY polynomial homology group homotopy induction integer intersection isomorphism isotopy Jones polynomial Kauffman polynomial knot theory labelled Lemma link component link diagram link in S3 linking number longitude loop manifold meridian module move of Type notation Note number of crossings orientable surface oriented knots oriented link path-connected piecewise linear plane presentation matrix prime knots proof Proposition quotient Reidemeister moves represented result root of unity Seifert matrix Seifert surface sequence shown in Figure shows simple closed curve slice knot solid torus subgroup Suppose surface F surgery Theorem topology torus knot transversely trefoil knot trivial twists unknot zero
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Bibliographic information
| Title | An Introduction to Knot Theory Graduate Texts in Mathematics, ISSN 0072-5285 Volume 175 of Introduction to Knot Theory Series |
| Authors | W.B.Raymond Lickorish, W. B. Lickorish |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Springer Science & Business Media, 1997 |
| ISBN | 038798254X, 9780387982540 |
| Length | 201 pages |
| Subjects | › › Mathematics / Algebra / Abstract Mathematics / Geometry / Analytic Mathematics / Geometry / General Mathematics / Group Theory Mathematics / Topology Science / Physics / Mathematical & Computational |
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