Geometry & Topology Monographs 4 (2002) 215–233

DOI: 10.2140/gtm.2002.4.215

Abstract

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.

Keywords

cubic complexes, finite type invariants, polynomial functions, Vassiliev invariants

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 55U10, 55U99

Secondary: 13B25, 57M27

References

Publication

Received: 7 April 2002
Revised: 12 October 2002
Accepted: 10 September 2002
Published: 13 October 2002

Authors