On the cohomology of spaces of links and braids via configuration space integrals

Abstract

We study the cohomology of spaces of string links and braids in ${\mathbb{R}}^n$ for $n\ge 3$ using configuration space integrals. For $n>3$, these integrals give a chain map from certain diagram complexes to the deRham algebra of differential forms on these spaces. For $n=3$, they produce all finite type invariants of string links and braids.

20 pages