The Jones Polynomial from a Goeritz Matrix
arXiv:2110.03082 · doi:10.1112/blms.12753
Abstract
We give an explicit algorithm for calculating the Kauffman bracket of a link diagram from a Goeritz matrix for that link. Further, we show how the Jones polynomial can be recovered from a Goeritz matrix when the corresponding checkerboard surface is orientable, or when more information is known about its Gordon-Litherland form. In the process we develop a theory of Goeritz matrices for cographic matroids, which extends the bracket polynomial to any symmetric integer matrix. We place this work in the context of links in thickened surfaces.
arXiv commentVersion 4: corrects error in statement and proof of Theorem 6.3