An Introduction to Quantum and Vassiliev Knot Invariants

An Introduction to Quantum and Vassiliev Knot Invariants

Author: David M. Jackson

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-05-04

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 3030052133

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book provides an accessible introduction to knot theory, focussing on Vassiliev invariants, quantum knot invariants constructed via representations of quantum groups, and how these two apparently distinct theories come together through the Kontsevich invariant. Consisting of four parts, the book opens with an introduction to the fundamentals of knot theory, and to knot invariants such as the Jones polynomial. The second part introduces quantum invariants of knots, working constructively from first principles towards the construction of Reshetikhin-Turaev invariants and a description of how these arise through Drinfeld and Jimbo's quantum groups. Its third part offers an introduction to Vassiliev invariants, providing a careful account of how chord diagrams and Jacobi diagrams arise in the theory, and the role that Lie algebras play. The final part of the book introduces the Konstevich invariant. This is a universal quantum invariant and a universal Vassiliev invariant, and brings together these two seemingly different families of knot invariants. The book provides a detailed account of the construction of the Jones polynomial via the quantum groups attached to sl(2), the Vassiliev weight system arising from sl(2), and how these invariants come together through the Kontsevich invariant.


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Quantum and Vassiliev Knot Invariants by : David M. Jackson

Download or read book An Introduction to Quantum and Vassiliev Knot Invariants written by David M. Jackson and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-04 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an accessible introduction to knot theory, focussing on Vassiliev invariants, quantum knot invariants constructed via representations of quantum groups, and how these two apparently distinct theories come together through the Kontsevich invariant. Consisting of four parts, the book opens with an introduction to the fundamentals of knot theory, and to knot invariants such as the Jones polynomial. The second part introduces quantum invariants of knots, working constructively from first principles towards the construction of Reshetikhin-Turaev invariants and a description of how these arise through Drinfeld and Jimbo's quantum groups. Its third part offers an introduction to Vassiliev invariants, providing a careful account of how chord diagrams and Jacobi diagrams arise in the theory, and the role that Lie algebras play. The final part of the book introduces the Konstevich invariant. This is a universal quantum invariant and a universal Vassiliev invariant, and brings together these two seemingly different families of knot invariants. The book provides a detailed account of the construction of the Jones polynomial via the quantum groups attached to sl(2), the Vassiliev weight system arising from sl(2), and how these invariants come together through the Kontsevich invariant.


Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants

Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants

Author: S. Chmutov

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-05-24

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13: 1107020832

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A detailed exposition of the theory with an emphasis on its combinatorial aspects.


Book Synopsis Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants by : S. Chmutov

Download or read book Introduction to Vassiliev Knot Invariants written by S. Chmutov and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-05-24 with total page 521 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A detailed exposition of the theory with an emphasis on its combinatorial aspects.


Quantum Invariants

Quantum Invariants

Author: Tomotada Ohtsuki

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 516

ISBN-13: 9789812811172

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book provides an extensive and self-contained presentation of quantum and related invariants of knots and 3-manifolds. Polynomial invariants of knots, such as the Jones and Alexander polynomials, are constructed as quantum invariants, i.e. invariants derived from representations of quantum groups and from the monodromy of solutions to the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equation. With the introduction of the Kontsevich invariant and the theory of Vassiliev invariants, the quantum invariants become well-organized. Quantum and perturbative invariants, the LMO invariant, and finite type invariants of 3-manifolds are discussed. The ChernOCoSimons field theory and the WessOCoZuminoOCoWitten model are described as the physical background of the invariants. Contents: Knots and Polynomial Invariants; Braids and Representations of the Braid Groups; Operator Invariants of Tangles via Sliced Diagrams; Ribbon Hopf Algebras and Invariants of Links; Monodromy Representations of the Braid Groups Derived from the KnizhnikOCoZamolodchikov Equation; The Kontsevich Invariant; Vassiliev Invariants; Quantum Invariants of 3-Manifolds; Perturbative Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds; The LMO Invariant; Finite Type Invariants of Integral Homology 3-Spheres. Readership: Researchers, lecturers and graduate students in geometry, topology and mathematical physics."


Book Synopsis Quantum Invariants by : Tomotada Ohtsuki

Download or read book Quantum Invariants written by Tomotada Ohtsuki and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2002 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an extensive and self-contained presentation of quantum and related invariants of knots and 3-manifolds. Polynomial invariants of knots, such as the Jones and Alexander polynomials, are constructed as quantum invariants, i.e. invariants derived from representations of quantum groups and from the monodromy of solutions to the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equation. With the introduction of the Kontsevich invariant and the theory of Vassiliev invariants, the quantum invariants become well-organized. Quantum and perturbative invariants, the LMO invariant, and finite type invariants of 3-manifolds are discussed. The ChernOCoSimons field theory and the WessOCoZuminoOCoWitten model are described as the physical background of the invariants. Contents: Knots and Polynomial Invariants; Braids and Representations of the Braid Groups; Operator Invariants of Tangles via Sliced Diagrams; Ribbon Hopf Algebras and Invariants of Links; Monodromy Representations of the Braid Groups Derived from the KnizhnikOCoZamolodchikov Equation; The Kontsevich Invariant; Vassiliev Invariants; Quantum Invariants of 3-Manifolds; Perturbative Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds; The LMO Invariant; Finite Type Invariants of Integral Homology 3-Spheres. Readership: Researchers, lecturers and graduate students in geometry, topology and mathematical physics."


Knots and Physics

Knots and Physics

Author: Louis H. Kauffman

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 788

ISBN-13: 9810241119

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This invaluable book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalised amplitudes for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum-statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes a extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This stance has the advantage of providing direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as physical ideas. The book is divided into two parts: Part I is a systematic course on knots and physics starting from the ground up, and Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to Part I. Part II includes topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics, and knots in dynamical systems. In this third edition, a paper by the author entitled "Functional Integration and Vassiliev invariants" has been added. This paper shows how the Kontsevich integral approach to the Vassiliev invariants is directly related to the perturbative expansion of Witten's functional integral. While the book supplies the background, this paper can be read independently as an introduction to quantum field theory and knot invariants and their relation to quantum gravity. As in the second edition, there is a selection of papers by the author at the end of the book. Numerous clarifying remarks have been added to the text.


Book Synopsis Knots and Physics by : Louis H. Kauffman

Download or read book Knots and Physics written by Louis H. Kauffman and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2001 with total page 788 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This invaluable book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalised amplitudes for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum-statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes a extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This stance has the advantage of providing direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as physical ideas. The book is divided into two parts: Part I is a systematic course on knots and physics starting from the ground up, and Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to Part I. Part II includes topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics, and knots in dynamical systems. In this third edition, a paper by the author entitled "Functional Integration and Vassiliev invariants" has been added. This paper shows how the Kontsevich integral approach to the Vassiliev invariants is directly related to the perturbative expansion of Witten's functional integral. While the book supplies the background, this paper can be read independently as an introduction to quantum field theory and knot invariants and their relation to quantum gravity. As in the second edition, there is a selection of papers by the author at the end of the book. Numerous clarifying remarks have been added to the text.


Quantum Groups and Knot Invariants

Quantum Groups and Knot Invariants

Author: Christian Kassel

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9782856290552

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book provides a concise introduction to quantum groups, braided monoidal categories and quantum invariants of knots and of three-dimensional manifolds. The exposition emphasizes the newly discovered deep relationships between these areas.


Book Synopsis Quantum Groups and Knot Invariants by : Christian Kassel

Download or read book Quantum Groups and Knot Invariants written by Christian Kassel and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a concise introduction to quantum groups, braided monoidal categories and quantum invariants of knots and of three-dimensional manifolds. The exposition emphasizes the newly discovered deep relationships between these areas.


Knot Theory and Its Applications

Knot Theory and Its Applications

Author: Kunio Murasugi

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-12-29

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0817647198

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book introduces the study of knots, providing insights into recent applications in DNA research and graph theory. It sets forth fundamental facts such as knot diagrams, braid representations, Seifert surfaces, tangles, and Alexander polynomials. It also covers more recent developments and special topics, such as chord diagrams and covering spaces. The author avoids advanced mathematical terminology and intricate techniques in algebraic topology and group theory. Numerous diagrams and exercises help readers understand and apply the theory. Each chapter includes a supplement with interesting historical and mathematical comments.


Book Synopsis Knot Theory and Its Applications by : Kunio Murasugi

Download or read book Knot Theory and Its Applications written by Kunio Murasugi and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-12-29 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book introduces the study of knots, providing insights into recent applications in DNA research and graph theory. It sets forth fundamental facts such as knot diagrams, braid representations, Seifert surfaces, tangles, and Alexander polynomials. It also covers more recent developments and special topics, such as chord diagrams and covering spaces. The author avoids advanced mathematical terminology and intricate techniques in algebraic topology and group theory. Numerous diagrams and exercises help readers understand and apply the theory. Each chapter includes a supplement with interesting historical and mathematical comments.


Quantum Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds

Quantum Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds

Author: Vladimir G. Turaev

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2016-07-11

Total Pages: 608

ISBN-13: 3110435225

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Due to the strong appeal and wide use of this monograph, it is now available in its third revised edition. The monograph gives a systematic treatment of 3-dimensional topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) based on the work of the author with N. Reshetikhin and O. Viro. This subject was inspired by the discovery of the Jones polynomial of knots and the Witten-Chern-Simons field theory. On the algebraic side, the study of 3-dimensional TQFTs has been influenced by the theory of braided categories and the theory of quantum groups.The book is divided into three parts. Part I presents a construction of 3-dimensional TQFTs and 2-dimensional modular functors from so-called modular categories. This gives a vast class of knot invariants and 3-manifold invariants as well as a class of linear representations of the mapping class groups of surfaces. In Part II the technique of 6j-symbols is used to define state sum invariants of 3-manifolds. Their relation to the TQFTs constructed in Part I is established via the theory of shadows. Part III provides constructions of modular categories, based on quantum groups and skein modules of tangles in the 3-space.This fundamental contribution to topological quantum field theory is accessible to graduate students in mathematics and physics with knowledge of basic algebra and topology. It is an indispensable source for everyone who wishes to enter the forefront of this fascinating area at the borderline of mathematics and physics. Contents:Invariants of graphs in Euclidean 3-space and of closed 3-manifoldsFoundations of topological quantum field theoryThree-dimensional topological quantum field theoryTwo-dimensional modular functors6j-symbolsSimplicial state sums on 3-manifoldsShadows of manifolds and state sums on shadowsConstructions of modular categories


Book Synopsis Quantum Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds by : Vladimir G. Turaev

Download or read book Quantum Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds written by Vladimir G. Turaev and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2016-07-11 with total page 608 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Due to the strong appeal and wide use of this monograph, it is now available in its third revised edition. The monograph gives a systematic treatment of 3-dimensional topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) based on the work of the author with N. Reshetikhin and O. Viro. This subject was inspired by the discovery of the Jones polynomial of knots and the Witten-Chern-Simons field theory. On the algebraic side, the study of 3-dimensional TQFTs has been influenced by the theory of braided categories and the theory of quantum groups.The book is divided into three parts. Part I presents a construction of 3-dimensional TQFTs and 2-dimensional modular functors from so-called modular categories. This gives a vast class of knot invariants and 3-manifold invariants as well as a class of linear representations of the mapping class groups of surfaces. In Part II the technique of 6j-symbols is used to define state sum invariants of 3-manifolds. Their relation to the TQFTs constructed in Part I is established via the theory of shadows. Part III provides constructions of modular categories, based on quantum groups and skein modules of tangles in the 3-space.This fundamental contribution to topological quantum field theory is accessible to graduate students in mathematics and physics with knowledge of basic algebra and topology. It is an indispensable source for everyone who wishes to enter the forefront of this fascinating area at the borderline of mathematics and physics. Contents:Invariants of graphs in Euclidean 3-space and of closed 3-manifoldsFoundations of topological quantum field theoryThree-dimensional topological quantum field theoryTwo-dimensional modular functors6j-symbolsSimplicial state sums on 3-manifoldsShadows of manifolds and state sums on shadowsConstructions of modular categories


Knots, Links, Braids and 3-Manifolds

Knots, Links, Braids and 3-Manifolds

Author: Viktor Vasilʹevich Prasolov

Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 0821808982

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book is an introduction to the remarkable work of Vaughan Jones and Victor Vassiliev on knot and link invariants and its recent modifications and generalizations, including a mathematical treatment of Jones-Witten invariants. The mathematical prerequisites are minimal compared to other monographs in this area. Numerous figures and problems make this book suitable as a graduate level course text or for self-study.


Book Synopsis Knots, Links, Braids and 3-Manifolds by : Viktor Vasilʹevich Prasolov

Download or read book Knots, Links, Braids and 3-Manifolds written by Viktor Vasilʹevich Prasolov and published by American Mathematical Soc.. This book was released on 1997 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is an introduction to the remarkable work of Vaughan Jones and Victor Vassiliev on knot and link invariants and its recent modifications and generalizations, including a mathematical treatment of Jones-Witten invariants. The mathematical prerequisites are minimal compared to other monographs in this area. Numerous figures and problems make this book suitable as a graduate level course text or for self-study.


Knots and Physics

Knots and Physics

Author: Louis H Kauffman

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 1994-01-15

Total Pages: 740

ISBN-13: 9814502375

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this second edition, the following recent papers have been added: “Gauss Codes, Quantum Groups and Ribbon Hopf Algebras”, “Spin Networks, Topology and Discrete Physics”, “Link Polynomials and a Graphical Calculus” and “Knots Tangles and Electrical Networks”. An appendix with a discussion on invariants of embedded graphs and Vassiliev invariants has also been included. This book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalized amplitudes (vacuum–vacuum amplitudes) for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes an extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This has the advantage of providing very direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as the physical ideas. This book is divided into 2 parts: Part I of the book is a systematic course in knots and physics starting from the ground up. Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to and sometimes based on Part I. Part II also explores some side-topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics and knots in dynamical systems. Contents:Physical KnotsStates and the Bracket PolynomialThe Jones Polynomial and Its GeneralizationsBraids and the Jones PolynomialFormal Feynman Diagrams, Bracket as a Vacuum-Vacuum Expectation and the Quantum Group SL(2)qYang-Baxter Models for Specializations of the Homfly PolynomialThe Alexander PolynomialKnot-Crystals — Classical Knot Theory in Modern GuiseThe Kauffman PolynomialThree Manifold Invariants from the Jones PolynomialIntegral Heuristics and Witten' s InvariantsThe Chromatic PolynomialThe Potts Model and the Dichromatic PolynomialThe Penrose Theory of Spin NetworksKnots and Strings — Knotted StringsDNA and Quantum Field TheoryKnots in Dynamical Systems — The Lorenz Attractorand other papers Readership: Physicists, mathematical physicists and mathematicians. keywords: Reviews of the First Edition: “It is an attractive book for physicists with profuse and often entertaining illustrations … proofs … seldom heavy and nearly always well explained with pictures… succeeds in infusing his own excitement and enthusiasm for these discoveries and their potential implications.” Physics Today “… here is a gold mine where, with care and patience, one should get acquainted with a beautiful subject under the guidance of a most original and imaginative mind.” Mathematical Reviews


Book Synopsis Knots and Physics by : Louis H Kauffman

Download or read book Knots and Physics written by Louis H Kauffman and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 1994-01-15 with total page 740 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this second edition, the following recent papers have been added: “Gauss Codes, Quantum Groups and Ribbon Hopf Algebras”, “Spin Networks, Topology and Discrete Physics”, “Link Polynomials and a Graphical Calculus” and “Knots Tangles and Electrical Networks”. An appendix with a discussion on invariants of embedded graphs and Vassiliev invariants has also been included. This book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalized amplitudes (vacuum–vacuum amplitudes) for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes an extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This has the advantage of providing very direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as the physical ideas. This book is divided into 2 parts: Part I of the book is a systematic course in knots and physics starting from the ground up. Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to and sometimes based on Part I. Part II also explores some side-topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics and knots in dynamical systems. Contents:Physical KnotsStates and the Bracket PolynomialThe Jones Polynomial and Its GeneralizationsBraids and the Jones PolynomialFormal Feynman Diagrams, Bracket as a Vacuum-Vacuum Expectation and the Quantum Group SL(2)qYang-Baxter Models for Specializations of the Homfly PolynomialThe Alexander PolynomialKnot-Crystals — Classical Knot Theory in Modern GuiseThe Kauffman PolynomialThree Manifold Invariants from the Jones PolynomialIntegral Heuristics and Witten' s InvariantsThe Chromatic PolynomialThe Potts Model and the Dichromatic PolynomialThe Penrose Theory of Spin NetworksKnots and Strings — Knotted StringsDNA and Quantum Field TheoryKnots in Dynamical Systems — The Lorenz Attractorand other papers Readership: Physicists, mathematical physicists and mathematicians. keywords: Reviews of the First Edition: “It is an attractive book for physicists with profuse and often entertaining illustrations … proofs … seldom heavy and nearly always well explained with pictures… succeeds in infusing his own excitement and enthusiasm for these discoveries and their potential implications.” Physics Today “… here is a gold mine where, with care and patience, one should get acquainted with a beautiful subject under the guidance of a most original and imaginative mind.” Mathematical Reviews


Knots and Physics

Knots and Physics

Author: Louis H Kauffman

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2012-11-09

Total Pages: 864

ISBN-13: 9814460303

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This invaluable book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalized amplitudes for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum-statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes an extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This stance has the advantage of providing direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as physical ideas. The book is divided into two parts: Part I is a systematic course on knots and physics starting from the ground up, and Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to Part I. Part II includes topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics, and knots in dynamical systems. In this new edition, an article on Virtual Knot Theory and Khovanov Homology has beed added. Contents:Physical KnotsStates and the Bracket PolynomialThe Jones Polynomial and Its GeneralizationsBraids and the Jones PolynomialFormal Feynman Diagrams, Bracket as a Vacuum-Vacuum Expectation and the Quantum Group SL(2)qYang–Baxter Models for Specializations of the Homfly PolynomialKnot-Crystals — Classical Knot Theory in a Modern GuiseThe Kauffman PolynomialThree Manifold Invariants from the Jones PolynomialIntegral Heuristics and Witten's InvariantsThe Chromatic PolynomialThe Potts Model and the Dichromatic PolynomialThe Penrose Theory of Spin NetworksKnots and Strings — Knotted StringsDNA and Quantum Field TheoryKnots in Dynamical Systems — The Lorenz Attractorand selected papers Readership: Physicists and mathematicians. Keywords:Knots;Kauffman;Jones PolynomialReviews: "This book is an essential volume for the student of low-dimensional topology from which a serious student can learn most aspects of modern knot theory. Its informal tone encourages investigation on the part of the reader. The author leaves the reader items to puzzle out." Mathematical Reviews Reviews of the Third Edition: “It is an attractive book for physicists with profuse and often entertaining illustrations … proofs … seldom heavy and nearly always well explained with pictures … succeeds in infusing his own excitement and enthusiasm for these discoveries and their potential implications.” Physics Today “The exposition is clear and well illustrated with many examples. The book can be recommended to everyone interested in the connections between physics and topology of knots.” Mathematics Abstracts “… here is a gold mine where, with care and patience, one should get acquainted with a beautiful subject under the guidance of a most original and imaginative mind.” Mathematical Reviews


Book Synopsis Knots and Physics by : Louis H Kauffman

Download or read book Knots and Physics written by Louis H Kauffman and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2012-11-09 with total page 864 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This invaluable book is an introduction to knot and link invariants as generalized amplitudes for a quasi-physical process. The demands of knot theory, coupled with a quantum-statistical framework, create a context that naturally and powerfully includes an extraordinary range of interrelated topics in topology and mathematical physics. The author takes a primarily combinatorial stance toward knot theory and its relations with these subjects. This stance has the advantage of providing direct access to the algebra and to the combinatorial topology, as well as physical ideas. The book is divided into two parts: Part I is a systematic course on knots and physics starting from the ground up, and Part II is a set of lectures on various topics related to Part I. Part II includes topics such as frictional properties of knots, relations with combinatorics, and knots in dynamical systems. In this new edition, an article on Virtual Knot Theory and Khovanov Homology has beed added. Contents:Physical KnotsStates and the Bracket PolynomialThe Jones Polynomial and Its GeneralizationsBraids and the Jones PolynomialFormal Feynman Diagrams, Bracket as a Vacuum-Vacuum Expectation and the Quantum Group SL(2)qYang–Baxter Models for Specializations of the Homfly PolynomialKnot-Crystals — Classical Knot Theory in a Modern GuiseThe Kauffman PolynomialThree Manifold Invariants from the Jones PolynomialIntegral Heuristics and Witten's InvariantsThe Chromatic PolynomialThe Potts Model and the Dichromatic PolynomialThe Penrose Theory of Spin NetworksKnots and Strings — Knotted StringsDNA and Quantum Field TheoryKnots in Dynamical Systems — The Lorenz Attractorand selected papers Readership: Physicists and mathematicians. Keywords:Knots;Kauffman;Jones PolynomialReviews: "This book is an essential volume for the student of low-dimensional topology from which a serious student can learn most aspects of modern knot theory. Its informal tone encourages investigation on the part of the reader. The author leaves the reader items to puzzle out." Mathematical Reviews Reviews of the Third Edition: “It is an attractive book for physicists with profuse and often entertaining illustrations … proofs … seldom heavy and nearly always well explained with pictures … succeeds in infusing his own excitement and enthusiasm for these discoveries and their potential implications.” Physics Today “The exposition is clear and well illustrated with many examples. The book can be recommended to everyone interested in the connections between physics and topology of knots.” Mathematics Abstracts “… here is a gold mine where, with care and patience, one should get acquainted with a beautiful subject under the guidance of a most original and imaginative mind.” Mathematical Reviews