An expansion of the Jones representation of genus \(2\) and the Torelli group (Q1592000)

The author studies the Jones representation of the mapping class group \({\mathcal M}_2\) of a closed oriented surface of genus 2 [\textit{V. F. R. Jones}, Ann. Math. (2) 126, 335-388 (1987; Zbl 0631.57005)]. The Jones representation is defined over integral Laurent polynomials \({\mathbf Z}[t,t^{-1}]\). By substituting the parameter \(t\) with \(e^h\) and expanding in Taylor series in \(h\), the author obtains a natural filtration of the Torelli group \({\mathcal I}_2\), which is the kernel of the classical symplectic representation \({\mathcal M}_2 \rightarrow Sp(4,{\mathbf Z})\). The structure of the associated graded quotients is described. He also discusses a possible relation of the Jones representation with the Casson invariants of homology 3-spheres.