Entanglement and invariants of theta-curves

Abstract: A theta-curve is a spatial embedding of the unique graph with two vertices joined by three parallel edges. Like knots and links, theta-curves and their mathematical properties are relevant to the mathematical modeling of biopolymers. In this talk, we will investigate unknotting operations and define new invariants of theta-curves. We will also generalize the statement that 'unknotting number one knots are prime' to theta-curves. This is joint work with several sets of authors.

geometric topology

Audience: researchers in the topic

GEOTOP-A seminar

Series comments: Web-seminar series on Applications of Geometry and Topology