A bordered Chekanov-Eliashberg algebra

Abstract

Given a front projection of a Legendrian knot $K$ in $\mathbb{R}^{3}$ which has been cut into several pieces along vertical lines, we assign a differential graded algebra to each piece and prove a van Kampen theorem describing the Chekanov-Eliashberg invariant of $K$ as a pushout of these algebras. We then use this theorem to construct maps between the invariants of Legendrian knots related by certain tangle replacements, and to describe the linearized contact homology of Legendrian Whitehead doubles. Other consequences include a Mayer-Vietoris sequence for linearized contact homology and a van Kampen theorem for the characteristic algebra of a Legendrian knot.