The Links-Gould polynomial as a generalization of the Alexander-Conway polynomial (Q2373551)

The Links-Gould (LG) polynomial, introduced by \textit{J. R. Links} and \textit{M. D. Gould} [Lett. Math. Phys. 26, No. 3, 187--198 (1992; Zbl 0777.57005)] is a two-variable polynomial invariant for oriented links, constructed from representations of quantum superalgebras. In general, it is not easy to calculate the LG polynomial. The first main result of the paper under review shows that the LG polynomial is a Laurent polynomial with integer coefficients for any link. The fact was previously observed for all prime knots up to ten crossings by \textit{D. De Wit} [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 9, No. 3, 311--339 (2000; Zbl 0999.57014)]. Secondly, the author proves that the Alexander-Conway polynomial is determined by the LG polynomial under a certain reduction. Thus the LG polynomial is a stronger generalization of the Alexander-Conway polynomial, because the former can detect the chirality of knots. In the last part, some other properties of LG polynomials are discussed.