Non-split, alternating links bound unique Seifert surfaces in the 4-ball

Abstract

We show that any two same-genus, oriented, boundary parallel surfaces bounded by a non-split, alternating link into the 4-ball are smoothly isotopic fixing boundary. In other words, any same-genus Seifert surfaces for a non-split, alternating link become smoothly isotopic fixing boundary once their interiors are pushed into the 4-ball. We conclude that a smooth surface in $S^4$ obtained by gluing two Seifert surfaces for a non-split alternating link is always smoothly unknotted.

9 pages, 3 figures