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Topology/Geometry Seminar
Thursday, August 30, 2007
5:15pm,
Altoona, 150 Hawthorn
Robert Lipshitz
Columbia University
Knot Floer homology for links and braids
Abstract: We will start by discussing grid diagrams for knots, and a definition of the Alexander polynomial in terms of grid diagrams. From there we will give the (one year old) combinatorial definition of knot Floer homology, due to Manolescu-Ozsvath-Sarkar. We will then discuss how this definition might be extended to braids (or tangles?). Time permitting, we will conclude with a discussion of the symplectic geometry which led to the combinatorics. At least the first three quarters of the talk should require little background in the area; the
second half is work in progress of P. Ozsvath, D. Thurston and the speaker.
We meet weekly on Thursday afternoons, with the third meeting of each month in Altoona. If you are interested in giving a talk in our seminar please contact one of the coordinators for the Fall 2007 semester: Young Choi and Aissa Wade.
