The Yang-Baxter equation and invariants of links (Q1105237)

The Yang-Baxter operators which arise in the theory of exactly solved models of statistical mechanics satisfy equations analogous to the classical braid relations. In this paper it is shown how an ``extended YB operator'' S on the tensor powers of a finitely generated free module over a commutative ring K gives rise to a map from the set of all braids to K which takes the same value on Markov-equivalent braids and so defines a K-valued invariant \(T_ S\) of oriented links. If the homomorphism underlying S satisfies a polynomial equation then \(T_ S\) satisfies a corresponding generalized Conway identity. Many examples may be constructed via representations of simple Lie algebras. In particular the ``homfly'' and Kauffman 2-variable polynomials arise in this way. Under some additional assumptions on S, the invariant \(T_ S\) can be given a state model description. The questions as to how these invariants may be understood in terms of algebraic topology and whether they may be extended to links in other 3-manifolds remain open.