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Department of Mathematics,
University of California San Diego

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Math 295 - Mathematics Colloquium

Sabin Cautis

Rice University

Knot Invariants via Algebraic Geometry

Abstract:

We explain how to construct knot and tangle invariants (such as Khovanov homology) by studying holomorphic vector bundles on certain compact, complex manifolds. Topologically these complex manifolds are just products of the same projective space $P^1$. Conjecturially, if one used Grassmannians $\mathrm{Gr}(k,n)$ instead of projective spaces this would give a series of new knot invariants analogous to Khovanov homology. \\ \noindent (Joint work with Joel Kamnitzer.)

Host: Dragos Oprea

December 5, 2008

10:00 AM

AP&M B412

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