A geometric invariant of virtual \(n\)-links (Q2215638)

Virtual \(n\)-links were introduced by the author in [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 24, No. 14, Article ID 1550062, 38 p. (2015; Zbl 1331.57027)] as a generalisation of the topological interpretation of Kauffman's virtual links. Let \(V_n\) be the set of pairs \((M \times [0,1],N)\), where \(M\) is a compact \((n+1)\)-manifold and \(N\) is an \(n\)-manifold embedded in the interior of \(M \times [0,1]\). Define a relation \(\sim\) on \(V_n\) by declaring that two such pairs \((M_1 \times [0,1],N_1)\) and \((M_2 \times [0,1],N_2)\) are \(\sim\) related if there exists an embedding \(f:M_1 \hookrightarrow M_2\) such that \(f \times id_{[0,1]}(N_1)=N_2\). A virtual \(n\)-link is then defined as an equivalence class under the equivalence relation generated by \(\sim\) together with smooth isotopy. \par The paper under review is a continuation of this work. For a virtual \(n\)-link \(K\), the author defines a new virtual link \(VD(K)\), which is invariant under virtual equivalence of \(K\). The homotopy type of the Dehn space of \(VD(K)\) is therefore an invariant of \(K\). Some applications to higher-dimensional virtual links are also given. Being geometric, the invariant is easy to generalize to higher dimensions. \par