Polynomial invariants of 2-component links (Q1082650)

Two new polynomial invariants of the ambient isotopy type of a 2- component link are defined for links in \(S^ 3\) with linking number different from \(\pm 1\). These invariants generalize those of \textit{R. Holmes} and \textit{N. Smythe} [Am. J. Math. 88, 646-654 (1966; Zbl 0145.204)]. One of the author's invariants is associated with a metabelian covering, and for any 2-component link with linking number even it is shown that the link group has a representation on the dihedral group of order \(2^{k+1}\) for all k. Heavy use is made of the free calculus of Fox.