The \(sl(2)\) foam cohomology via a TQFT (Q374050)

The paper builds on earlier works of the author [Algebr. Geom. Topol. 8, No. 2, 729--756 (2008; Zbl 1148.57016); Topology Appl. 156, No. 9, 1684--1702 (2009; Zbl 1172.57003)] in which an \(sl(2)\) cohomology theory of links was introduced. This theory is functorial with respect to cobordisms, unlike the original Khovanov homology which is functorial only up to a sign. (Other authors also introduced functorial theories in [\textit{D. Clark} et al., Geom. Topol. 13, No. 3, 1499--1582 (2009; Zbl 1169.57012); \textit{C. Blanchet}, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 19, No. 2, 291--312 (2010; Zbl 1195.57024)]). Khovanov homology admits a well-known description in the context of a \((1+1)\)-dimensional topological quantum field theory, or equivalently in terms of a Frobenius algebra. The present paper discusses the extensions to such algebraic structures necessary to give a description of the author's \(sl(2)\) cohomology theory.