Alexander-Conway invariants of tangles

We consider an algebra of (classical or virtual) tangles over an ordered circuit operad and introduce Conway-type invariants of tangles which respect this algebraic structure. The resulting invariants contain both the coefficients of the Conway polynomial and the Milnor's mu-invariants of string links as partial cases. The extension of the Conway polynomial to virtual tangles satisfies the usual Conway skein relation and its coefficients are GPV finite type invariants. As a by-product, we also obtain a simple representation of the braid group which gives the Conway polynomial as a certain twisted trace.Comment: 14 pages, many figure

Diassociative algebras and Milnor's invariants for tangles

We extend Milnor's mu-invariants of link homotopy to ordered (classical or virtual) tangles. Simple combinatorial formulas for mu-invariants are given in terms of counting trees in Gauss diagrams. Invariance under Reidemeister moves corresponds to axioms of Loday's diassociative algebra. The relation of tangles to diassociative algebras is formulated in terms of a morphism of corresponding operads.Comment: 17 pages, many figures; v2: several typos correcte

Counting real curves with passage/tangency conditions

We study the following question: given a set P of 3d-2 points and an immersed curve G in the real plane R^2, all in general position, how many real rational plane curves of degree d pass through these points and are tangent to this curve. We count each such curve with a certain sign, and present an explicit formula for their algebraic number. This number is preserved under small regular homotopies of a pair (P, G), but jumps (in a well-controlled way) when in the process of homotopy we pass a certain singular discriminant. We discuss the relation of such enumerative problems with finite type invariants. Our approach is based on maps of configuration spaces and the intersection theory in the spirit of classical algebraic topology.Comment: 23 pages, many figures; v2: significant changes, results generalized from cubics to rational curves of arbitrary degre

Skein relations for Milnor's mu-invariants

The theory of link-homotopy, introduced by Milnor, is an important part of the knot theory, with Milnor's mu-bar-invariants being the basic set of link-homotopy invariants. Skein relations for knot and link invariants played a crucial role in the recent developments of knot theory. However, while skein relations for Alexander and Jones invariants are known for quite a while, a similar treatment of Milnor's mu-bar-invariants was missing. We fill this gap by deducing simple skein relations for link-homotopy mu-invariants of string links.Comment: Published by Algebraic and Geometric Topology at http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/agt/AGTVol5/agt-5-58.abs.htm

Cubic complexes and finite type invariants

Cubic complexes appear in the theory of finite type invariants so often that one can ascribe them to basic notions of the theory. In this paper we begin the exposition of finite type invariants from the `cubic' point of view. Finite type invariants of knots and homology 3-spheres fit perfectly into this conception. In particular, we get a natural explanation why they behave like polynomials.Comment: Published by Geometry and Topology Monographs at http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/gt/GTMon4/paper14.abs.htm

Quantization of linear Poisson structures and degrees of maps

Kontsevich's formula for a deformation quantization of Poisson structures involves a Feynman series of graphs, with the weights given by some complicated integrals (using certain pullbacks of the standard angle form on a circe). We explain the geometric meaning of this series as degrees of maps of some grand configuration spaces; the associativity proof is also interpreted in purely homological terms. An interpretation in terms of degrees of maps shows that any other 1-form on the circle also leads to a *-product and allows one to compare these products.Comment: An extended and modified version; 18 pages, 10 figures. To appear in Let. Math. Phy