Multivariable Alexander polynomials of twisted torus links via Dehn surgery

Let $T(p,q;r,s)$ be the twisted torus link obtained from the torus link $T(p,q)$ by adding $s$ full twists to $r$ adjacent strands, and let $C$ be an unknotted circle encircling those strands. For all $p$, $q$, and $r$ we compute the multivariable Alexander polynomial of $T(p,q)\cup C$ in closed form. A relation of Silver and Williams between the Alexander polynomials of a link and of its $1/n$ Dehn fillings then gives a closed formula for the multivariable Alexander polynomial of every twisted torus link $T(p,q;r,s)$, answering a question of Adnan and Park. When $\gcd(p,q)=1$, so that $T(p,q;r,s)$ is a knot, the formula is a sum of $pr$ monomials with coefficient $+1$, divided by cyclotomic factors, and its exponents are governed by an elementary counting function on the orbit of $q$ modulo $p$. Because the numerator has no cancellation, we are able to give the degree for all $s$ and a simple non-fiberedness criterion.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-11-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2611.03265
Primary Topic
Geometric and Algebraic Topology
Type
preprint
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preprint

Multivariable Alexander polynomials of twisted torus links via Dehn surgery

Birch Bryant
arXiv (Cornell University)
Geometric and Algebraic Topology
preprint

Multivariable Alexander polynomials of twisted torus links via Dehn surgery

Birch Bryant
preprint en

Abstract

Let $T(p,q;r,s)$ be the twisted torus link obtained from the torus link $T(p,q)$ by adding $s$ full twists to $r$ adjacent strands, and let $C$ be an unknotted circle encircling those strands. For all $p$, $q$, and $r$ we compute the multivariable Alexander polynomial of $T(p,q)\cup C$ in closed form. A relation of Silver and Williams between the Alexander polynomials of a link and of its $1/n$ Dehn fillings then gives a closed formula for the multivariable Alexander polynomial of every twisted torus link $T(p,q;r,s)$, answering a question of Adnan and Park. When $\gcd(p,q)=1$, so that $T(p,q;r,s)$ is a knot, the formula is a sum of $pr$ monomials with coefficient $+1$, divided by cyclotomic factors, and its exponents are governed by an elementary counting function on the orbit of $q$ modulo $p$. Because the numerator has no cancellation, we are able to give the degree for all $s$ and a simple non-fiberedness criterion.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Geometric and Algebraic Topology
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