Crosscap numbers and the Jones polynomial (Q890131)

This paper gives sharp two-sided linear bounds of the crosscap number (the non-orientable genus) of an alternating link in terms of coefficients of the Jones polynomial of the link. The authors also calculate the crosscap number of several infinite families of alternating links (in terms of the twist number of any prime, twist-reducing alternating link diagram). In addition, they provide calculations for several alternating knots up to twelve crossings. The paper concludes by discussing generalizations of the results for classes of non-alternating links. They indicate that investigations in a future paper might include interpretations of higher order stabilized coefficients of the colored Jones polynomials.