4-strand Burau is unfaithful modulo 5
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We introduce a new algorithm for finding kernel elements in the Burau representation. Our algorithm applies reservoir sampling to a statistic on matrices which is closely correlated with Garside length. Using this we exhibit an explicit kernel element in the Burau representation on 4-strands reduced modulo 5.
Authors: Joel Gibson, Geordie Williamson, Oded Yacobi
Institution: The University of Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Geometry and Topology
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4408044333