Virtual Knot Groups

Abstract

For a knot diagram $K$, the classical knot group $\pi_1(K)$ is a free group modulo relations determined by Wirtinger-type relations on the classical crossings. The classical knot group is invariant under the Reidemeister moves. In this paper, we define a set of quotient groups associated to a knot diagram $K$. These quotient groups are invariant under the Reidemeister moves and the set includes the extended knot groups defined by Boden et al and Silver and Williams.