Abstract
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We describe a construction procedure of infinite sets of
-links
in closed simply connected 4-manifolds that are topologically isotopic, smoothly
inequivalent and componentwise topologically unknotted. These 2-links are the first
such examples in the literature. The examples provided have surface and free groups
as their 2-link groups, and display subtle exotic phenomena that are related to their
linking. In particular, our examples are not parallel copies of exotic embeddings of
2-spheres that were previously known to exist nor their combinations with smoothly
unknotted 2-spheres.
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Keywords
surfaces, 4-manifolds, exotic smooth structures
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Mathematical Subject Classification
Primary: 57K45, 57R55
Secondary: 57R40, 57R52
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Milestones
Received: 22 October 2024
Revised: 23 May 2025
Accepted: 28 May 2025
Published: 20 June 2025
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© 2025 MSP (Mathematical Sciences
Publishers). Distributed under the Creative Commons
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