There are three chapters to the memoir. The first defines and develops the notion of the index of a graph. The next chapter presents the general application of the graph index to knot theory. The last section is devoted to particular examples, such as determining the braid index of alternating pretzel links. A second result shows that for an alternating knot with Alexander polynomial having leading coefficient less than 4 in absolute value, the braid index is determined by polynomial invariants.
This book introduces the study of knots, providing insights into recent applications in DNA research and graph theory. It sets forth fundamental facts such as knot diagrams, braid representations, Seifert surfaces, tangles, and Alexander polynomials. It also covers more recent developments and special topics, such as chord diagrams and covering spaces. The author avoids advanced mathematical terminology and intricate techniques in algebraic topology and group theory. Numerous diagrams and exercises help readers understand and apply the theory. Each chapter includes a supplement with interesting historical and mathematical comments.
Knots are familiar objects. Yet the mathematical theory of knots quickly leads to deep results in topology and geometry. This work offers an introduction to this theory, starting with our understanding of knots. It presents the applications of knot theory to modern chemistry, biology and physics.
This book presents a remarkable application of graph theory to knot theory. In knot theory, there are a number of easily defined geometric invariants that are extremely difficult to compute; the braid index of a knot or link is one example. The authors evaluate the braid index for many knots and links using the generalized Jones polynomial and the index of a graph, a new invariant introduced here. This invariant, which is determined algorithmically, is likely to be of particular interest to computer scientists.
This volume contains the proceedings of the ICTS program Knot Theory and Its Applications (KTH-2013), held from December 10–20, 2013, at IISER Mohali, India. The meeting focused on the broad area of knot theory and its interaction with other disciplines of theoretical science. The program was divided into two parts. The first part was a week-long advanced school which consisted of minicourses. The second part was a discussion meeting that was meant to connect the school to the modern research areas. This volume consists of lecture notes on the topics of the advanced school, as well as surveys and research papers on current topics that connect the lecture notes with cutting-edge research in the broad area of knot theory.
Knot theory is a rapidly developing field of research with many applications, not only for mathematics. The present volume, written by a well-known specialist, gives a complete survey of this theory from its very beginnings to today's most recent research results. An indispensable book for everyone concerned with knot theory.
This book is a survey of current topics in the mathematical theory of knots. For a mathematician, a knot is a closed loop in 3-dimensional space: imagine knotting an extension cord and then closing it up by inserting its plug into its outlet. Knot theory is of central importance in pure and applied mathematics, as it stands at a crossroads of topology, combinatorics, algebra, mathematical physics and biochemistry. * Survey of mathematical knot theory * Articles by leading world authorities * Clear exposition, not over-technical * Accessible to readers with undergraduate background in mathematics
Rolfsen's beautiful book on knots and links can be read by anyone, from beginner to expert, who wants to learn about knot theory. Beginners find an inviting introduction to the elements of topology, emphasizing the tools needed for understanding knots, the fundamental group and van Kampen's theorem, for example, which are then applied to concrete problems, such as computing knot groups. For experts, Rolfsen explains advanced topics, such as the connections between knot theory and surgery and how they are useful to understanding three-manifolds. Besides providing a guide to understanding knot theory, the book offers 'practical' training. After reading it, you will be able to do many things: compute presentations of knot groups, Alexander polynomials, and other invariants; perform surgery on three-manifolds; and visualize knots and their complements.It is characterized by its hands-on approach and emphasis on a visual, geometric understanding. Rolfsen offers invaluable insight and strikes a perfect balance between giving technical details and offering informal explanations. The illustrations are superb, and a wealth of examples are included. Now back in print by the AMS, the book is still a standard reference in knot theory. It is written in a remarkable style that makes it useful for both beginners and researchers. Particularly noteworthy is the table of knots and links at the end. This volume is an excellent introduction to the topic and is suitable as a textbook for a course in knot theory or 3-manifolds. Other key books of interest on this topic available from the AMS are ""The Shoelace Book: A Mathematical Guide to the Best (and Worst) Ways to Lace your Shoes"" and ""The Knot Book.""
Louis Kauffman discusses applications of knot theory to physics, Nadrian Seeman discusses how topology is used in DNA nanotechnology, and Jonathan Simon discusses the statistical and energetic properties of knots and their relation to molecular biology."--BOOK JACKET.
