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Which presentations of (non)planar algebras give rise to knots?

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Reidermeister's theorem states that the set of knots, modulo ambient isotopy, is isomorphic to the planar algebra generated by crossings, modulo Reidemeister moves. This planar algebra presentation is the starting point for much of quantum topology. Of course this set of generators and relations isn't unique. I'm interested in unknotting moves other than crossing changes, and I would like to ask

Is there another known "convenient" planar algebra presentation, generators modulo relations, which gives rise to knots? In particular, can I sensibly choose generators corresponding to resolutions of triple-points?

We can generalize in many ways. For example we can allow circuit algebras, which are non-planar, and obtain the set of virtual knots. I have the same question regarding such generalizations. Also

Is there a result that any presentation of a planar algebra giving rise to knots, other than the one given by crossings modulo Reidemeister moves, would necessarily be significantly harder to work with? I.e. is there some sort of non-trivial "optimality result" for the presentation "crossings mod Reidemeister moves"?

This post imported from StackExchange MathOverflow at 2014-09-21 14:26 (UCT), posted by SE-user Daniel Moskovich

asked Aug 17, 2010 in Theoretical Physics by Daniel Moskovich (130 points) [ revision history ]
edited Sep 21, 2014 by Dilaton

You should look at Example 2.5 of Vaughan Jones's "Planar Algebras." There he works out a presentation of the HOMFLY skein theory starting with generators which are resolutions of triple points. Remark 1 there seems to be essentially your question, so I don't think such a presentation is known.

This post imported from StackExchange MathOverflow at 2014-09-21 14:26 (UCT), posted by SE-user Noah Snyder

commented Aug 17, 2010 by Noah Snyder (60 points) [ no revision ]

Sorry, forgot the link: math.berkeley.edu/~vfr/planar.pdf

This post imported from StackExchange MathOverflow at 2014-09-21 14:26 (UCT), posted by SE-user Noah Snyder

commented Aug 17, 2010 by Noah Snyder (60 points) [ no revision ]

Noah: Thanks for the link! I knew nothing about this. Yes, his Remark 1 does turn out to be my question, with similar motivation..

This post imported from StackExchange MathOverflow at 2014-09-21 14:26 (UCT), posted by SE-user Daniel Moskovich

commented Aug 18, 2010 by Daniel Moskovich (130 points) [ no revision ]

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