Polynomial \(6j\)-symbols and states sums (Q543056)

The \(6j\)-symbols arose first in theoretical physics in relation to angular momentum calculations; since then they have been understood by mathematicians as tensors associated to representations. Topologists have used these to define invariants of knots and 3-manifolds using state sums. In the preprint [``Modified 6j-symbols and 3-manifold invariants'', \url{arXiv:0910.1624}], the authors joined \textit{V. Turaev} in defining modified \(6j\)-symbols and associated 3-manifold invariants. In the paper reviewed here, the authors explicitly compute these symbols, which take the form of 3-variable Laurent polynomials, corresponding to quantum \(6j\)-symbols from \(U_{\xi}({\mathfrak sl}(2))\) at a root of unity \(\xi\). Further they define the associated 3-manifold invariants.