An Affine Index Polynomial Invariant of Virtual Knots

Abstract

This paper describes a polynomial invariant of virtual knots that is defined in terms of an integer labeling of the virtual knot diagram. This labeling is seen to derive from an essentially unique structure of affine flat biquandle for flat virtual diagrams. The invariant is discussed in detail with many examples,including its relation to previous invariants of this type and we show how to construct Vassiliev invariants from the same data.