On a state model for the \(\mathrm{SO}(2n)\) Kauffman polynomial (Q2511323)

The Kauffman polynomial is a two-variable Laurent polynomial that is an invariant of regular isotopy classes of unoriented links (that is, of equivalence classes of link diagrams given by Reidemeister moves II and III). The \(\mathrm{SO}(2n)\) Kauffman polynomial is a one-variable specialization of this. Work of \textit{L. H. Kauffman} and \textit{P. Vogel} [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 1, No. 1, 59--104 (1992; Zbl 0795.57001)] has extended the definition to cover knotted 4--valent graphs with rigid vertices, particularly planar 4--valent graphs. This work, along with work of \textit{R. P. Carpentier} [ibid. 9, No. 8, 975--986 (2000; Zbl 0976.57008)], implies the existence of a state-sum model to calculate the polynomial using such graphs, without explicitly stating it. F. Jaeger gave a method for calculating the Kauffman polynomial of an unoriented link in terms of (a version of) the HOMFLY-PT polynomial of related oriented links. The \(sl(n)\)-polynomial is a one-variable specialization of this. \textit{H. Murakami} et al. [Enseign. Math. (2) 44, No. 3--4, 325--360 (1998; Zbl 0958.57014)] gave a state-sum model for this in terms of planar trivalent graphs. In this paper, the authors combine a modified version of the work of Murakami, Ohtsuki and Yamada with the relationship given by Jaeger to give an explicit state-sum model for the \(SO(2n)\) Kauffman polynomial, where each of the states in the sum is an unoriented planar 4--valent graph. The result aligns with the work of Kauffman and Vogel, and with work of \textit{C. Caprau} and \textit{J. Tipton} [The Kauffman polynomial and trivalent graphs, \url{arXiv:1107.1210}]. \textit{H. Wu} [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 21, No. 10, Article ID 1250098, 40 p. (2012; Zbl 1262.57012)] also performed a related construction.