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Seifert Matrix

Given a Seifert Form $f(x,y)$, choose a basis $e_1$, ..., $e_{2g}$ for $H_1(\hat M)$ as a Z-module so every element is uniquely expressible as

\begin{displaymath}
n_1e_1+\ldots+n_{2g}e_{2g}
\end{displaymath}

with $n_i$ integer, define the Seifert matrix $V$ as the $2g\times 2g$ integral Matrix with entries

\begin{displaymath}
v_{ij}={\rm lk}(e_i,e_j^+).
\end{displaymath}

The right-hand Trefoil Knot has Seifert matrix

\begin{displaymath}
V=\left[{\matrix{-1 & 1\cr 0 & -1\cr}}\right].
\end{displaymath}

A Seifert matrix is not a knot invariant, but it can be used to distinguish between different Seifert Surfaces for a given knot.

See also Alexander Matrix


References

Rolfsen, D. Knots and Links. Wilmington, DE: Publish or Perish Press, pp. 200-203, 1976.




© 1996-9 Eric W. Weisstein
1999-05-26