A note on the Jones polynomials of 3-braid links (Q2088638)

\textit{J. S. Birman} [Invent. Math. 81, 287--294 (1985; Zbl 0588.57005)] introduced a technique for computing the Jones polynomial of 3-braid links through a trace function on a two-dimensional Burau representation of the braid group on three strands. The author applies this technique to provide an explicit formula for the Jones polynomial of 3-braid links. Such a formula has been used to study the structure of the Jones polynomial of such links. As an application, the author shows that in many cases the normal form of the 3-braid is determined by the Jones polynomial and the signature of its closure. Also, he shows that a class of pretzel links which is known to be of braid index three can not be represented by alternating 3-braids. Finally, the author studies certain types of symmetries of 3-braid links based on the structure of their Jones polynomial.