Laver's results and low-dimensional topology

In connection with his interest in selfdistributive algebra, Richard Laver established two deep results with potential applications in low-dimensional topology, namely the existence of what is now known as the Laver tables and the well-foundedness of the standard ordering of positive braids. Here we present these results and discuss the way they could be used in topological applications. Richard Laver established two remarkable results that might lead to significant applications in low-dimensional topology, namely the existence of a series of finite structures satisfying the left-selfdistributive law, now known as the Laver tables, and the well-foundedness of the standard ordering of Artin’s positive braids. In this text, we shall explain the precise meaning of these results and discuss their (past or future) applications in topology. In one word, the current situation is that, although the depth of Laver’s results is not questionable, few topological applications have been found...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2016
• Where: AML
• Authors: Patrick Dehornoy
• Keywords: Algorithms, AML 2016