Smooth spheres in \({\mathbb{R}}^ 4\) with four critical points are standard (Q2266270)

The following result is proved. Main Theorem: Suppose \(\gamma_ 0\) and \(\gamma_ 1\) are knots in the 3-sphere and a certain band sum of \(\gamma_ 0\) and \(\gamma_ 1\) yields the unknot. Then \(\gamma_ 0\) and \(\gamma_ 1\) are the unknot and the band sum is just the connected sum. This answers questions 1.1, 1.2A and 1.3 of \textit{R. Kirby's} problem list [Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 32, 273-312 (1978; Zbl 0394.57002)]. Furthermore, an easy consequence is the statement of the title, solving a problem of Kuiper. This is therefore an interesting and important result in low-dimensional topology, but equally important is the combinatorial technique introduced in the proof. Roughly, given two planar surfaces embedded in general position in a 3-manifold, their intersection gives rise to two planar graphs (one in each surface). A deep combinatorial analysis of these graphs, and the relationship between them, yields a surprising amount of information about the ambient 3-manifold and the embedded surfaces. In the proof of the Main Theorem, the 3-manifold is the 3-sphere with a regular neighbourhood of \(\gamma_ 0\cup \gamma_ 1\cup\) band removed, and the planar surfaces arise from a separating sphere for \(\gamma_ 0\cup \gamma_ 1\) and a spanning disc for the band sum. This technique has turned out to have far-reaching applications. It has been used by Culler, Gordon, Luecke and Shalen in their work [Bull. Am. Math. Soc. Numer Ser. 13, 43-45 (1985)] on Dehn surgery on knots; by Gabai in his deep work on foliations and the Property R conjecture; and in several other papers of the author.