Solving Kauffman Conjecture (stated in 1983)

Abstract: In 1983 Louis Kauffman conjectured that the classes of alternative and pseudoalternating links are identical. We proved that Kauffman Conjecture holds for those links whose first Betti number is at most 2. However, it is not true in general when this value increases, as we also proved by finding two counterexamples: a link and a knot whose first Betti numbers equal 3 and 4, respectively.  

Researchers: Marithania Silvero 

Related project: MTM2010-19355, MTM2013-44233-P, P09-FQM-5112

Related publications: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016686411500108X?via%3Dihub

iMAT research line:   RL11. Algebra, Geometry and Topology