The three loop isotopy and framed isotopy invariants of virtual knots (Q2250128)

Virtual knots are knots in thickened oriented surfaces modulo stabilization and destabilization. The authors of the paper under review introduce two knot invariants. The first invariant is called the three loop isotopy invariant and is a finite type invariant of order two for virtual knots. The second is called the three loop framed isotopy invariant and is a regular isotopy invariant of framed virtual knots. These invariants are ``analogues'' of the Grishanov-Vassiliev invariants [\textit{S. A. Grishanov} and \textit{V. A. Vassiliev}, Topology Appl. 156, No. 14, 2307--2316 (2009; Zbl 1207.57018)] in the sense that they have identical Gauss diagram formulae. The three loop isotopy invariant is enhanced with a relative weight of regions in a Guass diagram. The three loop framed isotopy invariant is enhanced with the weight (or index) of a crossing. As an application, the authors give a comparison with other invariants by showing for example that the three loop invariant can separate virtual knots which cannot be separated by the Kauffman bracket and can separate virtual knots which cannot be separated by the involutory quandle. They also show that the three loop framed invariant can detect both way virtualization and sign virtualization moves.