The second coefficient of the Alexander polynomial as a satellite obstruction
arXiv:2402.03155 · doi:10.5802/crmath.694
Abstract
A set L of links is introduced, containing positive braid links as well as arborescent positive Hopf plumbings. It is shown that for links in P, the leading and the second coefficient of the Alexander polynomial have opposite sign. It follows that certain satellite links, such as (n,1)-cables, are not in P.
arXiv comment5 pages, 2 figures, comments welcome. v2: Minor changes, accepted for publication at C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris