Twisted linking numbers via representations of fundamental groups. (Q701281)

Let \(K\) be an embedding of \(S^1\) in \(S^3\setminus L\) where \(L\) is an oriented, non-split link. Let \(\pi L\) be the fundamental group of \(S^3\setminus L\) and \(\psi\) a representation of \(\pi L\) in \(\text{GL}({\mathcal K}^n)\) where \({\mathcal K}\) is a rational polynomial field. A \({\mathcal K}\psi(\pi L)\) module is constructed and shown to be generated by a single element when the twisted Alexander polynomial of \(L\) does not vanish. This is used to define a twisted linking number in \({\mathcal K}\) of \(K\) and \(L\). If \(\psi\) is trivial it corresponds to the usual linking number. An example is given for which the usual linking number is trivial and the twisted linking number is not.