Embedding spaces of split links

Abstract

We study the homotopy type of the space $E(L)$ of unparametrised embeddings of a split link $L=L_1\bigsqcup \dots \bigsqcup L_n$ in ${\mathbb{R}}^3$. Our main result is a simple description of the fundamental group, or motion group, of $E(L)$, and we extend this to a description of the motion group of embeddings in $S^3$. The main tool we build is a semi-simplicial space of separating systems, which we show is homotopy equivalent to $E(L)$. This combinatorial object provides a gateway to studying the homotopy type of $E(L)$ via the homotopy type of the spaces $E(L_i)$.

37 pages, 5 figures. Multiple changes following referees' suggestions. Final version, to appear in Advances in Mathematics