The Burau representation is not faithful for \(n\geq 6\) (Q2367238)

Let \(B_ n\) denote the \(n\) strand braid group. A classical object in the study of \(B_ n\) has been the Burau representation. The question of the faithfulness of this representation has for some time been a matter of interest. In the case of \(n = 3\) the Burau representation is well-known to be faithful. In [\textit{J. Moody}, Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 25, No. 2, 379-384 (1991; Zbl 0751.57005)] it is shown that for \(n\) at least 9 the Burau representation of \(B_ n\) is not faithful. The main results of this paper are to reduce the value of \(n\) to 6. The ideas of the paper extend, clarify and improve on the beautiful idea of Moody.