SU(3) instanton homology for webs and foams
Abstract
An instanton homology is constructed for webs and foams, using gauge theory with structure group SU(3), adapting previous work of the authors for the SO(3) case. Skein exact triangles are established, and using an eigenspace decomposition arising from operators associated to the edges, it is shown that the dimension of the SU(3) homology counts Tait colorings when the web is planar. Unlike the SO(3) case, the SU(3) homology is mod-2 graded. Its Euler characteristic can be interpreted as a signed count of Tait colorings, or equivalently as the value at 1 of the Yamada polynomial invariant. Some examples and variants of the construction are also discussed.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.