Certain polynomials for knots with integral representations (Q1309179)

A knot \(J\) is called \(k\)-integral if there exists a parabolic, irreducible representation \(\rho: \pi_ 1\) \((S^ 3 - J) \to PSL_ 2({\mathcal O}_ k)\), where \(k\) is an algebraic number field and \({\mathcal O}_ k\) is the ring of algebraic integers in \(k\). The author defines a polynomial \(N_{(J,\rho)}(x)\) in \(x\) for a \(k\)-integral knot \(J\) which satisfies the following properties; (1) If \(1/m\)-Dehn surgery on \(J\) yields a simply-connected three-manifold, then \(N_{(J,\rho)}(m) = \pm 1\) and (2) Its degree is less than or equal to the class number of \(k\) times \([k,\mathbb{Q}]\) (the extension degree of \(k\) over \(\mathbb{Q}\)). Therefore this polynomial can be used to estimate the number of Dehn surgeries giving homotopy three-spheres and in particular to verify Property P for a given knot. It must be noted that a non-trivial knot with no incompressible, nonboundary-parallel closed surface in its complement is \(k\)-integral for some algebraic number field \(k\) and so the polynomial can be defined for a large class of knots. Concrete calculations for torus knots and the figure eight knot are also given.