Knots, i.e. embeddings of spheres

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
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We work in a smooth category. In particular, terms embedding and smooth embedding or map and smooth map are used interchangeably. For a [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Introduction|general introduction to embeddings]] as well as the [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Notation and conventions|notation and conventions]] used on this page, we refer to \cite[$\S$1, $\S$3]{Skopenkov2016c}.
See [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Introduction|general introduction on embeddings]], [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Notation and conventions|notation and conventions]] in \cite[$\S$1, $\S$2]{Skopenkov2016c}.
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== Examples ==
== Examples ==
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There are smooth embeddings $S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l}$ which are not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding. They are PS (piecewise smoothly) isotopic to the standard embedding (by the Zeeman [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Unknotting_theorems|Unknotting Spheres Theorem 2.3]] of \cite{Skopenkov2016c} and \cite[Remark 1.1]{Skopenkov2016f}).
Analogously to [[3-manifolds_in_6-space#Examples|the Haefliger trefoil knot]] for $k>1$ one constructs a smooth embedding $t:S^{2k-1}\to\Rr^{3k}$.
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{{beginthm|Example}}\label{e:gen} (a) Analogously to [[3-manifolds_in_6-space#Examples|the Haefliger trefoil knot]] for any $l>1$ one constructs a smooth embedding $t:S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l}$, see \cite[$\S$5]{Skopenkov2016h}.
For $k$ even this embedding is a generator of $E_D^{3k}(S^{2k-1})\cong\Zz$; it is not ''smoothly'' isotopic to the standard embedding, but is ''piecewise smoothly'' isotopic to it \cite{Haefliger1962}.
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For $l$ even $t$ is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; $t$ represents a generator of $E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz$ \cite{Haefliger1962}.
It would be interesting to know if for $k$ odd this embedding is a generator of $E_D^{3k}(S^{2k-1})\cong\Zz_2$.
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The last phrase of \cite{Haefliger1962t} suggests that this is true for $k=3$.
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It would be interesting to know if for $l>1$ odd this embedding is a generator of $E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz_2$.
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The last phrase of \cite{Haefliger1962t} suggests that this is true for $l=3$.
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(b) For any $k=1,3,7$ let $\eta\in\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k})$ be the homotopy class of the Hopf map.
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Denote by $\zeta:\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k})\to E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1}\sqcup S^{4k-1})$ [[High_codimension_links#Examples|the Zeeman map]], see \cite[Definition 2.2]{Skopenkov2016h}.
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The embedded connected sum $\#\zeta\eta$ of the components of (a representative of) $\zeta\eta$ is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; $\#\zeta\eta$ is a generator of $E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\cong\Z$ \cite[Corollary 2.13]{Skopenkov2015a}.
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{{endthm}}
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== Readily calculable classification ==
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== Invariants ==
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For $m\ge n+3$ the group $E^m(S^n)$ has been described in terms of exact sequences involving the homotopy groups of spheres and the homotopy groups of the pairs $(SG_n,SO_n)$ for $n = n_i+1$ and $n_i$ \cite{Haefliger1966a}, cf. \cite{Levine1965}, \cite{Milgram1972}, \cite{Habegger1986}.
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Let us define the ''Haefliger invariant'' $\varkappa:E^{6k}_D(S^{4k-1})\to\Z$.
Here $SG_n$ is the space of maps $f \colon S^{n-1} \to S^{n-1}$ of degree $1$.
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The definition is motivated by Haefliger's proof that any embedding $S^n\to S^m$ is isotopic to the standard embedding for $2m\ge3n+4$, and by analyzing what obstructs carrying this proof for $2m=3n+3$.
Restricting an element of $SO_n$ to $S^{n-1} \subset \Rr^n$ identifies $SO_n$ as a subspace of $G_n$.
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Some readily calculable corollaries of this classification are recalled in \cite[$\S$3.3]{Skopenkov2006}.
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By \cite[2.1, 2.2]{Haefliger1962} any embedding $f:S^{4k-1}\to S^{6k}$ has a framing extendable to a framed embedding $\overline f:V\to D^{6k+1}$ of a $4k$-manifold $V$ whose boundary is $S^{4k-1}$, and whose signature is zero. For an integer $2k$-cycle $c$ in $V$ let $\lambda^*(c)\in\Z$ be the linking number of $f(V)$ with a slight shift of $\overline f(c)$ along the first vector of the framing. This defines a map $\lambda^*:H_{2k}(V;\Z)\to\Z$. This map is a homomorphism (as opposed to the Arf map defined in a similar way \cite{Pontryagin1959}). Then by Lefschetz duality there is a unique $\lambda\in H_{2k}(V,\partial;\Z)$ such that $\lambda^*[c]=\lambda\cap_V[c]$ for any $[c]\in H_{2k}(V;\Z)$. Since $V$ has a normal framing, its intersection form $\cap_V$ is even. (Indeed, represent a class in $H_{2k}(V;\Z)$ by a closed oriented $2k$-submanifold $c$. Then $\rho_2[c]\cap_V[c]=\overline{w_{2k}}(c\subset V)=\rho_2[c]\cap_VPDw_{2k}(V)=0$ because $V$ has a normal framing.) Hence $\lambda\cap_V\lambda$ is an even integer. Define $$\varkappa(f):=\lambda\cap_V\lambda/2.$$
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Since the signature of $V$ is zero, there is a symplectic basis $\alpha_1,\ldots,\alpha_s,\beta_1,\ldots,\beta_s$ in $H_{2k}(V;\Z)$.
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Then clearly
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$$\varkappa(f) = \sum\limits_{j=1}^s \lambda^*(\beta_j)\lambda^*(\alpha_j).$$
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For an alternative definition via Seifert surfaces in $6k$-space, discovered in \cite{Guillou&Marin1986}, \cite{Takase2004}, see \cite[the Kreck Invariant Lemma 4.5]{Skopenkov2016t}. For a definition by Kreck, and for a generalization to 3-manifolds see \cite[$\S$4]{Skopenkov2016t}.
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''Sketch of a proof that $\varkappa(f)$ is well-defined (i.e. is independent of $V$, $\overline f$, and the framings), and is invariant under isotopy of $f$.'' \cite[Theorem 2.6]{Haefliger1962}
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Analogously one defines $\lambda(V)$ and $\varkappa(V):=\lambda(V)\cap_V\lambda(V)/2$ for a framed $4k$-submanifold $V$ of $S^{6k+1}$. Since $\varkappa(V)$ is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism. So $\varkappa(V)$ defines a homomorphism $\Omega_{fr}^{4k}(6k+1)=\pi_{6k+1}(S^{2k+1})\to\Z$. The latter group is finite by the Serre theorem. Hence the homomorphism is trivial.
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Since $\varkappa(f)$ is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism of a framed $f$ (and hence of the isotopy of a framed $f$).
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Therefore $\varkappa(f)$ is a well-defined invariant of a framed cobordism class of a framed $f$. By \cite[2.9]{Haefliger1962} (cf. \cite[2.2 and 2.3]{Haefliger1962}) $\varkappa(f)$ is also independent of the framing of $f$ extendable to a framing of some $4k$-manifold $V$ having trivial signature. QED
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For definition of the ''attaching invariant'' $E^{n+q}_D(S^n)\to\pi_n(G_q,SO_q)$ see \cite{Haefliger1966}, \cite[$\S$3]{Skopenkov2005}.
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== Codimension 2 knots ==
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== Classification ==
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For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in $\Rr^3$), a complete readily calculable classification is neither known nor expected at the time of writing.
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{{beginthm|Theorem|\cite[Corollary in p. 44]{Levine1965}, \cite{Haefliger1966}}}\label{t:leha}
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For $m-n\ge3$ the group $E^m_D(S^n)$ is finite unless $n=4k-1$ and $m\le6k$, when $E^m_D(S^n)$ is the sum of $\Z$ and a finite group.
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{{endthm}}
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{{beginthm|Theorem|(Haefliger-Milgram)}}\label{t:hami}
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We have the following table for the group $E^m_D(S^n)$; in the whole table $k\ge1$; in the fifth column $k\ne2$; in the last two columns $k\ge2$:
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$$\begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c}
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(m,n) &2m\ge3n+4 &(6k,4k-1) &(6k+3,4k+1) &(7,4) &(6k+4,4k+2) &(12k+7,8k+4) & (12k+1,8k)\\
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\hline
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E^m_D(S^n)&0 &\Z &\Z_2 &\Z_{12} &0 &\Z_4 &\Z_2\oplus\Z_2
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\end{array}$$
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{{endthm}}
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<!-- 8k+1-->
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Proof for the first four columns, and for the fifth column when $k$ is odd, are presented in \cite[8.15]{Haefliger1966} (see also $\S$6; some proofs are deduced from that paper using simple calculations, cf. \cite[$\S$3]{Skopenkov2005}; there is a typo in \cite[8.15]{Haefliger1966}: $C^{3k}_{4k-2}=0$ should be $C^{4k}_{8k-2}=0$). The remaining results follow from \cite[8.15]{Haefliger1966} and \cite[Theorem F]{Milgram1972}. Alternative proofs for the cases $(m,n)=(7,4),(6,3)$ are given in \cite{Skopenkov2005}, \cite{Crowley&Skopenkov2008}, \cite{Skopenkov2008}.
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{{beginthm|Theorem|\cite[Corollary G]{Milgram1972}}}\label{t:mi}
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We have $E^m_D(S^n)=0$ if and only if either $2m\ge3n+4$, or $(m,n)=(6k+4,4k+2)$,
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<!--$k\ne1$,-->
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or $(m,n)=(3k,2k)$ and $k\equiv3,11\mod12$,
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<!--$k\ne3$,-->
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or $(m,n)=(3k+2,2k+2)$ and $k\equiv14,22\mod24$.
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{{endthm}}
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For a description of 2-components of $E^m_D(S^n)$ see \cite[Theorem F]{Milgram1972}. Observe that no reliable reference (containing complete proofs) of results announced in \cite{Milgram1972} appeared. Thus, strictly speaking, the corresponding results are conjectures.
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The lowest-dimensional unknown groups $E^m_D(S^n)$ are $E^8_D(S^5)$ and $E^{11}_D(S^7)$.
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Hopefully application of Kreck surgery could be useful to find these groups, cf. \cite{Skopenkov2005}, \cite{Crowley&Skopenkov2008}, \cite{Skopenkov2008}.
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For $m\ge n+3$ the group $E^m_D(S^n)$ has been described as follows, in terms of exact sequences \cite{Haefliger1966}, cf. \cite{Levine1965}, \cite{Haefliger1966a}, \cite{Milgram1972}, \cite{Habegger1986}.
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{{beginthm|Theorem|\cite{Haefliger1966}}}\label{t:knots}
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For $q\ge3$ there is the following exact sequence of abelian groups:
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$$ \ldots \to \pi_{n+1}(SG,SO) \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q}_D(S^n) \xrightarrow{~a~} \pi_n(SG_q,SO_q) \xrightarrow{~s~} \pi_n(SG,SO) \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q-1}_D(S^{n-1})\to \ldots~.$$
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Here $SG_q$ is the space of maps $S^{q-1} \to S^{q-1}$ of degree $1$. Restricting a map from $SO_q$ to $S^{q-1} \subset \Rr^q$ identifies $SO_q$ as a subspace of $SG_q$. Define $SG:=SG_1\cup\ldots\cup SG_q\cup\ldots$. Analogously define $SO$. Let $s$ be the stabilization homomorphism. The attaching invariant $a$ and the map $u$ are defined in \cite{Haefliger1966}, see also \cite[$\S$3]{Skopenkov2005}.
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{{endthm}}
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== Some remarks on codimension 2 knots ==
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For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings of spheres (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in $\Rr^3$), a complete readily calculable classification (in the sense of
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[[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Introduction|Remark 1.2]] of \cite{Skopenkov2016c}) is neither known nor expected at the time of writing.
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However, there is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots.
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<!--, most of which does not present a readily calculable classification.-->
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See e.g. the interesting papers \cite{Farber1981}, \cite{Farber1983}, \cite{Kearton1983}, \cite{Farber1984}.
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On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of [[Isotopy|''concordance'']], then much is known.
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See e.g. \cite{Levine1969a} and \cite{Ranicki1998}.
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== Proof of classification of (4k-1)-knots in 6k-space ==
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\begin{theorem}\label{haef}
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The Haefliger invariant $\varkappa:E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\to\Zz$ is injective for $k>1$.
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\end{theorem}
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The proof is a certain simplification of \cite{Haefliger1962}. We present an exposition structured to make it more accessible to non-specialists.
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\begin{lemma}\label{l:V_to_disk}
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Let $V$ be a framed $(2k-1)$-connected $4k$-submanifold of $B^{6k+1}$ such that $S^{4k-1}\cong \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1}$, signature of $V$ is zero, and $\varkappa(V) = 0$.
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Then there is a submanifold $V'\subset B^{6k+1}$ such that $V'\cong D^{4k}$ and $\partial V'=\partial V$.
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\end{lemma}
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''Proof of Theorem \ref{haef} using Lemma \ref{l:V_to_disk}.''
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By the first three paragraphs of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in \cite{Haefliger1962}, for any embedding $g:S^{4k-1}\to \partial B^{6k+1}$ such that $\varkappa(g)=0$ there is a framed $(2k-1)$-connected $4k$-submanifold $V$ of $B^{6k+1}$ with zero signature such that $g(S^{4k-1}) = \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1}$ and $\varkappa(V) = 0$.
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Then by Lemma \ref{l:V_to_disk} there is a submanifold $V'\subset B^{6k+1}$ such that $D^{4k} \cong V'$ and $\partial V'=\partial V$.
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Recall that isotopy classes of embeddings $S^q\to S^n$ are in 1--1 correspondence with $h$-cobordism classes of oriented submanifolds of $S^n$ diffeomorphic to $S^q$ for $n\ge5$, $n\ge q+3$, cf. \cite[1.8]{Haefliger1966}, \cite{Kervaire1965}.
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Hence $g$ is isotopic to standart embedding. $\Box$
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To prove Lemma \ref{l:V_to_disk} we need Lemmas \ref{whitney}, \ref{embeddings} and \ref{l:multi_spherical_modification}.
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Below manifolds can have non-empty boundaries.
On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of ''concordance'', then much is
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{{beginthm|Lemma|[Whitney lemma; \cite{Prasolov2007}, $\S$22]}}\label{whitney}
known. See e.g. \cite{Levine1969a}, \cite{Cappell&Shaneson1974} and \cite{Ranicki1998}.
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Let $u: P \rightarrow W$ be a map from a connected oriented $p$-manifold $P$ to a simply connected oriented $(p+q)$-manifold $W$. If $p, q \geq 3$, then
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# If $q \geq p$, there is a homotopy $u_t$ such that $u_0 = u$ and $u_1(P)$ is an embedding.
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# Suppose in addition that $u(\partial P) \subseteq \partial W$ and there is a map $v: Q \rightarrow W$ with $v(\partial Q) \subseteq \partial W$ from a connected oriented $q$-manifold $Q$ such that the algebraic intersection number of $u(P)$ and $v(Q)$ is zero. Then there is a homotopy $v_t$ relative to the boundary such that $v_0 = v$ and $v_1(Q)$ does not intersect $u(P)$. If $v$ is an embedding, the homotopy $v_t$ can be chosen so that $v_1$ is an embedding.
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{{endthm}}
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Below we denote by $h: \pi_{m}(\cdot) \rightarrow H_{m}(\cdot)$ the Hurewicz map.
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\begin{lemma}\label{embeddings} Let $V$ be a $(2k-1)$-connected $4k$-manifold, and let $x_1, \ldots, x_{s} \in H_{2k}(V)$ be homology classes such that $x_i \cap_V x_j = 0$ for every $i,j$.
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Then there are embeddings $g_1, \ldots, g_s: \, S^{2k} \rightarrow V$ with pairwise disjoint images representing $x_1, \ldots, x_s$, respectively.
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\end{lemma}
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{{beginproof}} As $V$ is $(2k-1)$-connected, $h: \pi_{2k}(V) \rightarrow H_{2k}(V)$ is an isomorphism.
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For an element $x_i \in H_{2k}(V)$, let $\widetilde{x_i}: S^{2k} \rightarrow V$ be a representative of the homotopy class $h^{-1}(x_i)$.
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Applying item 1 of Lemma \ref{whitney} to $\widetilde{x_i}$, we may assume that $\widetilde{x_i}$ is an embedding.
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Make the following inductive procedure.
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At the $i$-th step, $i=1,\ldots,s$, assume that the embeddings $g_1, \ldots, g_{i-1}$ are already constructed, and we construct $g_i$.
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Since $2k \geq 3$ and $V$ is simply connected, $W:=V \setminus \bigcup\limits_{l<j}g_l(S^{2k})$ is simply connected for any $j < i$.
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The algebraic intersection number of $g_j(S^{2k})$ and $\widetilde{x_i}(S^{2k})$ is zero for any $j$.
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Hence we can apply item 2 of Lemma \ref{whitney} to $u=g_j$ and $v=\widetilde{x_i}$ and $W$ as above for any $j < i$.
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So $\widetilde{x_i}$ is replaced by a homotopic embedding $g_i$, and the images of $g_1, \ldots, g_i$ are pairwise disjoint.
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After $s$-th step we obtain a required set of embeddings.
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{{endproof}}
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{{beginthm|Lemma}}\label{l:multi_spherical_modification}
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Let $V$ be an orientable $4k$-submanifold of $B^{6k+1}$, and $g:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1}$ be an embedding such that $g(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g(S^{2k})$ and over $g(S^{2k})$ the manifold $V$ has a framing whose first vector is tangent to $g(D^{2k+1})$.
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Assume that $g(S^{2k})$ has zero algebraic self-intersection in $V$.
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Then $g$ extends to an embedding $G: D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1}$ such that $G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V$.
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{{endthm}}
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{{beginproof}} (A slightly different proof is presented in the proof of Proposition 3.3 in \cite{Haefliger1962}.)
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Since $g(S^{2k})$ has zero algebraic self-intersection in $V$, the Euler class of the normal bundle of $g(S^{2k})$ in $V$ is zero.
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Since over $g(S^{2k})$ the manifold $V$ has a framing, we obtain that $g(S^{2k})$ has a framing in $V$.
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Identify all the normal spaces of $G(D^{2k+1})$ with the normal space at $G(0)$.
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The normal framing $a$ of $g(S^{2k})$ in $V$ is orthogonal to $G(D^{2k+1})$.
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So $a$ defines a map $S^{2k}\to V_{4k,2k}$.
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Let $\zeta \in\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})$ be the homotopy class of this map.
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This is the obstruction to extending $a$ to a normal $2k$-framing of $G$ in $B^{6k+1}$ (so apriori $\zeta=\zeta(a)$).
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It suffices to prove that $\zeta=0$.
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Consider the exact sequence of the bundle $SO_{a+b}/SO_b = V_{a+b,a}$:
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$\pi_q(SO_{a+b}) \overset{j}\to \pi_q(V_{a+b,a}) \overset{\partial}\to \pi_{q-1}(SO_b)$.
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By the following well-known assertion, $\partial\zeta=0$:
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''if $\alpha\in\pi_q(V_{a,b})$, then $\partial\alpha$ is the obstruction to trivialization of the orthogonal complement to the field of $b$-frames in $S^q\times\R^a$ corresponding to a representative of $\alpha$.''
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Consider a map of the exact sequences associated to the inclusion $S^{2k} = SO_{2k+1}/SO_{2k} \to V_{4k,2k} = SO_{4k}/SO_{2k}$.
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The composition $\pi_{2k}(S^{2k})\overset{i}\to\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\overset{\partial}\to\pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k})$ is the boundary map $\partial'$.
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The group $\pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k})$ is in natural 1--1 correspondence with the group of $2k$-bundles over $S^{2k}$.
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The image $\partial'\iota_{2k}$ is the tangent bundle $\tau$ of $S^{2k}$.
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Since the Euler class of $n\tau$ is $2n\ne0$, the map $\partial'$ is injective.
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Since $i$ is an isomorphism, the map $\partial$ is injective.
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This and $\partial\zeta=0$ imply that $\zeta=0$.
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Alternatively, by \cite[Corollary in $\S$25.4]{Fomenko&Fuchs2016} $\pi_{2k}(SO_{4k})$ is a finite group (in \cite[Corollary in $\S$25.4]{Fomenko&Fuchs2016} the formula for $\pi_q(SO_{2m})$ is correct, although the formula for $\pi_q(SO_{2m+1})$ is incorrect because $\pi_3(SO_3)\cong\Z\oplus\Z$).
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Since $\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\cong\Z$, we obtain that $j=0$ for $a=b=2k$.
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This and $\partial\zeta=0$ imply that $\zeta=0$.
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{{endproof}}
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<!-- (In \cite[the last but one paragraph of 3.5]{Haefliger1962} perhaps one has to replace `$\partial\zeta$ is the obstruction to trivializing the normal bundle of $g(S^{2k})$ in $V$' by `$\partial\zeta$ is the obstruction to trivializing te orthogonal complement to the $f_1$-direction of the normal bundle of $V$ restricted to $g(S^{2k})$'?)
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(No, as we use different obstruction; our is orthogonal to Haefliger's) -->
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{{beginthm|Lemma}}\label{l:smoothen}
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Let $V$ be a $4k$-submanifold of $B^{6k+1}$ and let $G:D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1}$ be an embedding such that $G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V$.
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Then there is a smooth submanifold $V'\subset B^{6k+1}$ homeomorphic to $V\backslash ( G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})) \bigcup G(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-1})$ and such that $V\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})=V'\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})$.
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{{endthm}}
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<!-- {{beginproof}}
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For any $G_i$ choose small neighborhood $U_i$ of $G_i(D^{2k+1})$ and smooth diffeomorphism $\phi_i: \mathbb{R}^{6k+1}\to U_i$ such that $\phi_i^{-1}\circ G_i(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})$ is defined by $x^2\leq 1, y^2\leq 1, z=0$ in some coordinates $(x, y, z)=(x_1,\ldots, x_{2k+1}, y_1, \ldots, y_{2k}, z_1, \ldots, z_{2k})$ of $\mathbb{R}^{6k+1}$.
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Denote by $a:\mathbb{R}\to \mathbb{R}$ a smooth monotonous map such that $a(x)=0$ for $x\leq \frac{1}{2}$ and $a(x)=1$ for $x\geq 1$.
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Denote by $g:D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-1}\to \mathbb{R}^{6k+1}$ the smooth map, defined by the formula $g(x, y):=(x,y\cdot a(x^2), 0)$.
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Take by $V'$ the manifold $V\backslash (\bigcup G_i(S^{2k}\times D^{2k-1})) \bigcup \phi_i\circ g(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-2})$.
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$V'$ is homeomorphic to $V$.
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Therefore, map $f:V\to V'$ defined by equation $f(x)=\begin{cases} x\text{, if }x\in V\backslash (\bigcup G_i(S^{2k}\times D^{2k-1})) \\g\circ G_i^{-1}\circ \phi_i^{-1}(x)\text{, if }x\in G_i(S^{2k}\times D^{2k-1}) \end{cases}$ is the homeomorphism.
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Since $V'$ coincide with $V$ outside the $\bigcup \phi_i\circ g(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-2})$ and $V'$ is smooth in $\bigcup U_i$, we have that $V'$ is smooth.
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{{endproof}}
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Let us smoothen $V'$.
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Hence for $i\leq s$ there are disjoint neighborhoods $U_i$ of $g_i(D^{2k+1})$ and homeomorphisms $\phi_i:\mathbb{R}^{6k+1}\to U_i$ such that
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in coordinates $(x, y, z)=(x_1, \ldots, x_{2k+1}, y_1, \ldots, y_{2k}, z_1, \ldots, z_{2k})$ of $\mathbb{R}^{6k+1}$ we have $D{'}^{2k}:=\phi_i^{-1}(g_i(D^{2k+1}))$ is defined by $y=z=0$, $x^2=\Sigma x_i^2\leq 1$.
+
+
Fix some $i$.
+
From $\zeta_i=0$ it follows that there are orthonormal vector fields $v_1, \ldots, v_{2k}$ on $D{'}^{2k}$ such that $\phi_i^{-1}(V)$ is tangent to $v_j$ along $\phi_i^{-1}(g_i(S^{2k}))$ for any $j\leq 2k$.
+
Since every fiber of $D{'}^{2k}$ is trivial, there are orthonormal vector fields $v_{2k+1}, \ldots, v_{4k}$ on $D{'}^{2k}$ such that $v_j\perp v_m$ for any $j\leq 2k$ and $2k<m\leq 4k$.
+
Let us choose an extensions of $v_1,\ldots, v_{4k}$ to smole neighborhood of $D'$ such that
+
+
# $\phi_i^{-1}(V)$ is tangent to vector fields $v_1, \ldots, v_{2k}$;
+
# the map $\psi: D{'}^{2k}\times \mathbb{R}^{4k}\to\mathbb{R}^{6k+1}$, defined by formula $\psi(x, y)=\gamma_y(||y||)$, where $x\in D{'}^{2k}$, $y=(y_1, \ldots, y_{4k})\in \mathbb{R}^{4k}$ and where $\gamma_y:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}^{6k+1}$ is a solution of Cauchy problem
+
$\begin{cases} \gamma_y'(t)=\frac{y_1}{||y||}v_1(t)+\ldots +\frac{y_{4k}}{||y||}v_{4k}(t) \\ \gamma_y(0)=x, \end{cases}$ is the diffeomorphism between $D{'}^{2k}\times \mathbb{R}^{4k}$ and image of $\psi$.
+
# $\psi(D{'}^{2k}\times \mathbb{R}^{4k})\cap \phi^{-1}(V)\cong S^{2k}\times \mbox{Int} D^{2k}$.
+
+
We take as the extension of $g_i$ an embedding $G_i:D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k-1}\to B^{6k+1}$ such that $\phi^{-1}(G_i(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k-1}))$ is defined by $-a(x^2+y^2)\leq -x^2+y^2\leq a(x^2+y^2)$.
+
Below the symbol $[ \cdot ]$ denotes the integral fundamental class of a manifold or the homotopy class of a map, depending on the context.
+
-->
+
+
Lemma \ref{l:smoothen} is essentialy proved in \cite[$\S$3.3]{Haefliger1962}.
+
+
''Proof of Lemma \ref{l:V_to_disk} using Lemmas \ref{embeddings}, \ref{l:multi_spherical_modification}.''
+
By the fourth paragraph of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in \cite{Haefliger1962}, there is a basis $\alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s$ in $H_{2k}(V)$ such that $\alpha_i\cap \alpha_j=\beta_i\cap \beta_j = 0$, $\alpha_i\cap \beta_j=\delta_{i, j}$ and $\lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0$ for any $i, j$.
+
From Lemma \ref{embeddings} it follows that there are embeddings $f_1, \ldots, f_s:S^{2k}\to V$ with pairwise disjoint images representing $x_1, \ldots, x_s$, respectively.
+
[!!!such that $f_{i*}[S^{2k}]=\alpha_i$ for every $i=1,\ldots,s$]
+
+
For $i=1,\ldots,s$ denote by $\alpha_i'\in\pi_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V)$ the homotopy class of the shift of $f_i$ by the first vector of the framing of $V$ on $f_i(S^{2k})$.
+
Since $\lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0$, we have $h\alpha_i' =0 \in H_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V)$.
+
Since $\mbox{dim} B^{6k+1}-\mbox{dim} V=6k+1-4k=2k+1$, the complement $B^{6k+1}\backslash V$ is $(2k-1)$-connected.
+
Hence by Hurewicz Theorem $h\alpha_i'=0$ implies $\alpha_i'=0$.
+
Therefore there are extensions $g_1, \ldots, g_s:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1}$ of $f_1, \ldots, f_s$ such that $g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g_i(S^{2k})$.
+
+
Take $\varepsilon>0$ such that $g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})\cap V= g_i(\mbox{Int} D^{2k+1})\cap V$ for any $i\leq s$.
+
Take a tubular neighborhoods $U_i$ of $g_i(S^{2k})$ such that $g_i(D^{2k+1})\backslash U_i=g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})$ for any $i\leq s$.
+
The algebraic intersection number of $g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})$ and $V\backslash U_i$ equals $\lambda^*(\alpha_i)=\lambda^*(g_{i*}[S^{2k}])=0$.
+
We have $\pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i)=\pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash g_i(S^{2k}))=0$.
+
So we can apply item 2 of Lemma \ref{whitney} to $v=g_i|_{\varepsilon D^{2k+1}}$, $k:V\backslash U_i\to B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i$ the inclusion, and $W=B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i$.
+
So we may assume that $g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})$ does not intersect $V \backslash U_i$.
+
Hence we may assume that $g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V=g_i(S^{2k})$.
There is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots, most of which does not present a readily calculable classification (in the sense of
+
Apply Lemma \ref{l:multi_spherical_modification} to $g=g_1, \ldots, g_s$ one by one, and to the manifold $V$.
[[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Introduction|Remark 1.1]] of \cite{Skopenkov2016c}).
+
Denote by $G_1, \ldots, G_s$ the resulting maps.
See e.g. interesting papers \cite{Farber1981}, \cite{Farber1983}, \cite{Kearton1983}, \cite{Farber1984}.
+
Define manifolds $V^{i}$ for $0\leq i\leq s$ inductively.
</wikitex>
+
Let $V^0:=V$, and let $V^{i}$ be a manifold $V'$ obtained applying Lemma \ref{l:smoothen} for $V=V^{i-1}$ and $G=G_i$.
+
By Lemma \ref{l:smoothen}, $\pi_1(V)=\pi_1(V^s)= 0$ and $H_j(V)=H_j(V^s)= 0$ for $j<2k$.
+
Since $\alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s$ is a symplectic basis in $H_{2k}(V)$, it follows that $H_{2k}(V^s)= 0$.
+
Then from Generalized Poincare conjecture proved by Smale it follows that $V^s\cup_{\partial V^s=\partial D^{4k}} D^{4k}\cong S^{4k}$.
+
Hence $D^{4k} \cong V^s$.
+
Then take $V':=V^s$.
+
$\Box$
== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 10:54, 27 February 2024

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Contents

[edit] 1 Introduction

We work in a smooth category. In particular, terms embedding and smooth embedding or map and smooth map are used interchangeably. For a general introduction to embeddings as well as the notation and conventions used on this page, we refer to [Skopenkov2016c, \S1, \S3].

[edit] 2 Examples

There are smooth embeddings S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l} which are not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding. They are PS (piecewise smoothly) isotopic to the standard embedding (by the Zeeman Unknotting Spheres Theorem 2.3 of [Skopenkov2016c] and [Skopenkov2016f, Remark 1.1]).

Example 2.1. (a) Analogously to the Haefliger trefoil knot for any l>1 one constructs a smooth embedding t:S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l}, see [Skopenkov2016h, \S5]. For l even t is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; t represents a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz [Haefliger1962].

It would be interesting to know if for l>1 odd this embedding is a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz_2. The last phrase of [Haefliger1962t] suggests that this is true for l=3.

(b) For any k=1,3,7 let \eta\in\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k}) be the homotopy class of the Hopf map. Denote by \zeta:\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k})\to E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1}\sqcup S^{4k-1}) the Zeeman map, see [Skopenkov2016h, Definition 2.2]. The embedded connected sum \#\zeta\eta of the components of (a representative of) \zeta\eta is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; \#\zeta\eta is a generator of E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\cong\Z [Skopenkov2015a, Corollary 2.13].

[edit] 3 Invariants

Let us define the Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E^{6k}_D(S^{4k-1})\to\Z. The definition is motivated by Haefliger's proof that any embedding S^n\to S^m is isotopic to the standard embedding for 2m\ge3n+4, and by analyzing what obstructs carrying this proof for 2m=3n+3.

By [Haefliger1962, 2.1, 2.2] any embedding f:S^{4k-1}\to S^{6k} has a framing extendable to a framed embedding \overline f:V\to D^{6k+1} of a 4k-manifold V whose boundary is S^{4k-1}, and whose signature is zero. For an integer 2k-cycle c in V let \lambda^*(c)\in\Z be the linking number of f(V) with a slight shift of \overline f(c) along the first vector of the framing. This defines a map \lambda^*:H_{2k}(V;\Z)\to\Z. This map is a homomorphism (as opposed to the Arf map defined in a similar way [Pontryagin1959]). Then by Lefschetz duality there is a unique \lambda\in H_{2k}(V,\partial;\Z) such that \lambda^*[c]=\lambda\cap_V[c] for any [c]\in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Since V has a normal framing, its intersection form \cap_V is even. (Indeed, represent a class in H_{2k}(V;\Z) by a closed oriented 2k-submanifold c. Then \rho_2[c]\cap_V[c]=\overline{w_{2k}}(c\subset V)=\rho_2[c]\cap_VPDw_{2k}(V)=0 because V has a normal framing.) Hence \lambda\cap_V\lambda is an even integer. Define
\displaystyle \varkappa(f):=\lambda\cap_V\lambda/2.

Since the signature of V is zero, there is a symplectic basis \alpha_1,\ldots,\alpha_s,\beta_1,\ldots,\beta_s in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Then clearly

\displaystyle \varkappa(f) = \sum\limits_{j=1}^s \lambda^*(\beta_j)\lambda^*(\alpha_j).

For an alternative definition via Seifert surfaces in 6k-space, discovered in [Guillou&Marin1986], [Takase2004], see [Skopenkov2016t, the Kreck Invariant Lemma 4.5]. For a definition by Kreck, and for a generalization to 3-manifolds see [Skopenkov2016t, \S4].

Sketch of a proof that \varkappa(f) is well-defined (i.e. is independent of V, \overline f, and the framings), and is invariant under isotopy of f. [Haefliger1962, Theorem 2.6] Analogously one defines \lambda(V) and \varkappa(V):=\lambda(V)\cap_V\lambda(V)/2 for a framed 4k-submanifold V of S^{6k+1}. Since \varkappa(V) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism. So \varkappa(V) defines a homomorphism \Omega_{fr}^{4k}(6k+1)=\pi_{6k+1}(S^{2k+1})\to\Z. The latter group is finite by the Serre theorem. Hence the homomorphism is trivial.

Since \varkappa(f) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism of a framed f (and hence of the isotopy of a framed f).

Therefore \varkappa(f) is a well-defined invariant of a framed cobordism class of a framed f. By [Haefliger1962, 2.9] (cf. [Haefliger1962, 2.2 and 2.3]) \varkappa(f) is also independent of the framing of f extendable to a framing of some 4k-manifold V having trivial signature. QED

For definition of the attaching invariant E^{n+q}_D(S^n)\to\pi_n(G_q,SO_q) see [Haefliger1966], [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 4 Classification

Theorem 4.1 [Levine1965, Corollary in p. 44], [Haefliger1966]. For m-n\ge3 the group E^m_D(S^n) is finite unless n=4k-1 and m\le6k, when E^m_D(S^n) is the sum of \Z and a finite group.

Theorem 4.2 (Haefliger-Milgram). We have the following table for the group E^m_D(S^n); in the whole table k\ge1; in the fifth column k\ne2; in the last two columns k\ge2:

\displaystyle \begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c} (m,n)     &2m\ge3n+4 &(6k,4k-1) &(6k+3,4k+1) &(7,4)   &(6k+4,4k+2) &(12k+7,8k+4) & (12k+1,8k)\\  \hline E^m_D(S^n)&0         &\Z        &\Z_2        &\Z_{12} &0           &\Z_4         &\Z_2\oplus\Z_2 \end{array}

Proof for the first four columns, and for the fifth column when k is odd, are presented in [Haefliger1966, 8.15] (see also \S6; some proofs are deduced from that paper using simple calculations, cf. [Skopenkov2005, \S3]; there is a typo in [Haefliger1966, 8.15]: C^{3k}_{4k-2}=0 should be C^{4k}_{8k-2}=0). The remaining results follow from [Haefliger1966, 8.15] and [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Alternative proofs for the cases (m,n)=(7,4),(6,3) are given in [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

Theorem 4.3 [Milgram1972, Corollary G]. We have E^m_D(S^n)=0 if and only if either 2m\ge3n+4, or (m,n)=(6k+4,4k+2), or (m,n)=(3k,2k) and k\equiv3,11\mod12, or (m,n)=(3k+2,2k+2) and k\equiv14,22\mod24.

For a description of 2-components of E^m_D(S^n) see [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Observe that no reliable reference (containing complete proofs) of results announced in [Milgram1972] appeared. Thus, strictly speaking, the corresponding results are conjectures.

The lowest-dimensional unknown groups E^m_D(S^n) are E^8_D(S^5) and E^{11}_D(S^7). Hopefully application of Kreck surgery could be useful to find these groups, cf. [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

For m\ge n+3 the group E^m_D(S^n) has been described as follows, in terms of exact sequences [Haefliger1966], cf. [Levine1965], [Haefliger1966a], [Milgram1972], [Habegger1986].

Theorem 4.4 [Haefliger1966]. For q\ge3 there is the following exact sequence of abelian groups:

\displaystyle  \ldots \to \pi_{n+1}(SG,SO) \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q}_D(S^n) \xrightarrow{~a~} \pi_n(SG_q,SO_q) \xrightarrow{~s~} \pi_n(SG,SO)  \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q-1}_D(S^{n-1})\to \ldots~.

Here SG_q is the space of maps S^{q-1} \to S^{q-1} of degree 1. Restricting a map from SO_q to S^{q-1} \subset \Rr^q identifies SO_q as a subspace of SG_q. Define SG:=SG_1\cup\ldots\cup SG_q\cup\ldots. Analogously define SO. Let s be the stabilization homomorphism. The attaching invariant a and the map u are defined in [Haefliger1966], see also [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 5 Some remarks on codimension 2 knots

For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings of spheres (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in \Rr^3), a complete readily calculable classification (in the sense of Remark 1.2 of [Skopenkov2016c]) is neither known nor expected at the time of writing. However, there is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots. See e.g. the interesting papers [Farber1981], [Farber1983], [Kearton1983], [Farber1984].

On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of concordance, then much is known. See e.g. [Levine1969a] and [Ranicki1998].

[edit] 6 Proof of classification of (4k-1)-knots in 6k-space

Theorem 6.1. The Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\to\Zz is injective for k>1.

The proof is a certain simplification of [Haefliger1962]. We present an exposition structured to make it more accessible to non-specialists.

Lemma 6.2. Let V be a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} such that S^{4k-1}\cong \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1}, signature of V is zero, and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that V'\cong D^{4k} and \partial V'=\partial V.

Proof of Theorem 6.1 using Lemma 6.2. By the first three paragraphs of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], for any embedding g:S^{4k-1}\to \partial B^{6k+1} such that \varkappa(g)=0 there is a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold V of B^{6k+1} with zero signature such that g(S^{4k-1}) = \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1} and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then by Lemma 6.2 there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that D^{4k} \cong V' and \partial V'=\partial V. Recall that isotopy classes of embeddings S^q\to S^n are in 1--1 correspondence with h-cobordism classes of oriented submanifolds of S^n diffeomorphic to S^q for n\ge5, n\ge q+3, cf. [Haefliger1966, 1.8], [Kervaire1965]. Hence g is isotopic to standart embedding. \Box

To prove Lemma 6.2 we need Lemmas 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5. Below manifolds can have non-empty boundaries.

Lemma 6.3 [Whitney lemma; [Prasolov2007], \S22]. Let u: P \rightarrow W be a map from a connected oriented p-manifold P to a simply connected oriented (p+q)-manifold W. If p, q \geq 3, then

  1. If q \geq p, there is a homotopy u_t such that u_0 = u and u_1(P) is an embedding.
  2. Suppose in addition that u(\partial P) \subseteq \partial W and there is a map v: Q \rightarrow W with v(\partial Q) \subseteq \partial W from a connected oriented q-manifold Q such that the algebraic intersection number of u(P) and v(Q) is zero. Then there is a homotopy v_t relative to the boundary such that v_0 = v and v_1(Q) does not intersect u(P). If v is an embedding, the homotopy v_t can be chosen so that v_1 is an embedding.

Below we denote by h: \pi_{m}(\cdot) \rightarrow H_{m}(\cdot) the Hurewicz map.

Lemma 6.4. Let V be a (2k-1)-connected 4k-manifold, and let x_1, \ldots, x_{s} \in H_{2k}(V) be homology classes such that x_i \cap_V x_j = 0 for every i,j. Then there are embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_s: \, S^{2k} \rightarrow V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively.

Proof. As V is (2k-1)-connected, h: \pi_{2k}(V) \rightarrow H_{2k}(V) is an isomorphism. For an element x_i \in H_{2k}(V), let \widetilde{x_i}: S^{2k} \rightarrow V be a representative of the homotopy class h^{-1}(x_i). Applying item 1 of Lemma 6.3 to \widetilde{x_i}, we may assume that \widetilde{x_i} is an embedding.

Make the following inductive procedure. At the i-th step, i=1,\ldots,s, assume that the embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_{i-1} are already constructed, and we construct g_i. Since 2k \geq 3 and V is simply connected, W:=V \setminus \bigcup\limits_{l<j}g_l(S^{2k}) is simply connected for any j < i. The algebraic intersection number of g_j(S^{2k}) and \widetilde{x_i}(S^{2k}) is zero for any j. Hence we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to u=g_j and v=\widetilde{x_i} and W as above for any j < i. So \widetilde{x_i} is replaced by a homotopic embedding g_i, and the images of g_1, \ldots, g_i are pairwise disjoint. After s-th step we obtain a required set of embeddings.

\square

Lemma 6.5. Let V be an orientable 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1}, and g:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that g(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g(S^{2k}) and over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing whose first vector is tangent to g(D^{2k+1}). Assume that g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V. Then g extends to an embedding G: D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V.

Proof. (A slightly different proof is presented in the proof of Proposition 3.3 in [Haefliger1962].) Since g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V, the Euler class of the normal bundle of g(S^{2k}) in V is zero. Since over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing, we obtain that g(S^{2k}) has a framing in V.

Identify all the normal spaces of G(D^{2k+1}) with the normal space at G(0). The normal framing a of g(S^{2k}) in V is orthogonal to G(D^{2k+1}). So a defines a map S^{2k}\to V_{4k,2k}. Let \zeta \in\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k}) be the homotopy class of this map. This is the obstruction to extending a to a normal 2k-framing of G in B^{6k+1} (so apriori \zeta=\zeta(a)). It suffices to prove that \zeta=0.

Consider the exact sequence of the bundle SO_{a+b}/SO_b = V_{a+b,a}: \pi_q(SO_{a+b}) \overset{j}\to \pi_q(V_{a+b,a}) \overset{\partial}\to \pi_{q-1}(SO_b). By the following well-known assertion, \partial\zeta=0: if \alpha\in\pi_q(V_{a,b}), then \partial\alpha is the obstruction to trivialization of the orthogonal complement to the field of b-frames in S^q\times\R^a corresponding to a representative of \alpha.

Consider a map of the exact sequences associated to the inclusion S^{2k} = SO_{2k+1}/SO_{2k} \to V_{4k,2k} = SO_{4k}/SO_{2k}. The composition \pi_{2k}(S^{2k})\overset{i}\to\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\overset{\partial}\to\pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is the boundary map \partial'. The group \pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is in natural 1--1 correspondence with the group of 2k-bundles over S^{2k}. The image \partial'\iota_{2k} is the tangent bundle \tau of S^{2k}. Since the Euler class of n\tau is 2n\ne0, the map \partial' is injective. Since i is an isomorphism, the map \partial is injective. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

Alternatively, by [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] \pi_{2k}(SO_{4k}) is a finite group (in [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m}) is correct, although the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m+1}) is incorrect because \pi_3(SO_3)\cong\Z\oplus\Z). Since \pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\cong\Z, we obtain that j=0 for a=b=2k. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

\square

Lemma 6.6. Let V be a 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} and let G:D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V. Then there is a smooth submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} homeomorphic to V\backslash ( G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})) \bigcup G(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-1}) and such that V\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})=V'\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}).

Lemma 6.6 is essentialy proved in [Haefliger1962, \S3.3].

Proof of Lemma 6.2 using Lemmas 6.4, 6.5. By the fourth paragraph of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], there is a basis \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s in H_{2k}(V) such that \alpha_i\cap \alpha_j=\beta_i\cap \beta_j = 0, \alpha_i\cap \beta_j=\delta_{i, j} and \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0 for any i, j. From Lemma 6.4 it follows that there are embeddings f_1, \ldots, f_s:S^{2k}\to V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively. [!!!such that f_{i*}[S^{2k}]=\alpha_i for every i=1,\ldots,s]

For i=1,\ldots,s denote by \alpha_i'\in\pi_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V) the homotopy class of the shift of f_i by the first vector of the framing of V on f_i(S^{2k}). Since \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0, we have h\alpha_i' =0 \in H_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V). Since \mbox{dim} B^{6k+1}-\mbox{dim} V=6k+1-4k=2k+1, the complement B^{6k+1}\backslash V is (2k-1)-connected. Hence by Hurewicz Theorem h\alpha_i'=0 implies \alpha_i'=0. Therefore there are extensions g_1, \ldots, g_s:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} of f_1, \ldots, f_s such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g_i(S^{2k}).

Take \varepsilon>0 such that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})\cap V= g_i(\mbox{Int} D^{2k+1})\cap V for any i\leq s. Take a tubular neighborhoods U_i of g_i(S^{2k}) such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\backslash U_i=g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) for any i\leq s. The algebraic intersection number of g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) and V\backslash U_i equals \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=\lambda^*(g_{i*}[S^{2k}])=0. We have \pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i)=\pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash g_i(S^{2k}))=0. So we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to v=g_i|_{\varepsilon D^{2k+1}}, k:V\backslash U_i\to B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i the inclusion, and W=B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i. So we may assume that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) does not intersect V \backslash U_i. Hence we may assume that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V=g_i(S^{2k}).

Apply Lemma 6.5 to g=g_1, \ldots, g_s one by one, and to the manifold V. Denote by G_1, \ldots, G_s the resulting maps. Define manifolds V^{i} for 0\leq i\leq s inductively. Let V^0:=V, and let V^{i} be a manifold V' obtained applying Lemma 6.6 for V=V^{i-1} and G=G_i. By Lemma 6.6, \pi_1(V)=\pi_1(V^s)= 0 and H_j(V)=H_j(V^s)= 0 for j<2k. Since \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s is a symplectic basis in H_{2k}(V), it follows that H_{2k}(V^s)= 0. Then from Generalized Poincare conjecture proved by Smale it follows that V^s\cup_{\partial V^s=\partial D^{4k}} D^{4k}\cong S^{4k}. Hence D^{4k} \cong V^s. Then take V':=V^s. \Box

[edit] References

  • [Crowley&Skopenkov2008] D. Crowley and A. Skopenkov, A classification of smooth embeddings of 4-manifolds in 7-space, II, Intern. J. Math., 22:6 (2011) 731-757. Available at the arXiv:0808.1795.
  • [Farber1981] M. Sh. Farber, Classification of stable fibered knots, Mat. Sb. (N.S.), 115(157):2(6) (1981) 223–262.
  • [Farber1983] M. Sh. Farber, The classification of simple knots, Russian Math. Surveys, 38:5 (1983).

  • [Farber1984] M. Sh. Farber, An algebraic classification of some even-dimensional spherical knots I, II, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 281 (1984), 507-528; 529-570.
  • [Fomenko&Fuchs2016] A. T. Fomenko and D. B. Fuks, Homotopical Topology. Translated from the Russian. Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 273. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2016. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-23488-5.

, $\S]{Skopenkov2016c}. == Examples == ; Analogously to [[3-manifolds_in_6-space#Examples|the Haefliger trefoil knot]] for $k>1$ one constructs a smooth embedding $t:S^{2k-1}\to\Rr^{3k}$. For $k$ even this embedding is a generator of $E_D^{3k}(S^{2k-1})\cong\Zz$; it is not ''smoothly'' isotopic to the standard embedding, but is ''piecewise smoothly'' isotopic to it \cite{Haefliger1962}. It would be interesting to know if for $k$ odd this embedding is a generator of $E_D^{3k}(S^{2k-1})\cong\Zz_2$. The last phrase of \cite{Haefliger1962t} suggests that this is true for $k=3$. == Readily calculable classification == ; For $m\ge n+3$ the group $E^m(S^n)$ has been described in terms of exact sequences involving the homotopy groups of spheres and the homotopy groups of the pairs $(SG_n,SO_n)$ for $n = n_i+1$ and $n_i$ \cite{Haefliger1966a}, cf. \cite{Levine1965}, \cite{Milgram1972}, \cite{Habegger1986}. Here $SG_n$ is the space of maps $f \colon S^{n-1} \to S^{n-1}$ of degree \S1, \S3].

[edit] 2 Examples

There are smooth embeddings S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l} which are not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding. They are PS (piecewise smoothly) isotopic to the standard embedding (by the Zeeman Unknotting Spheres Theorem 2.3 of [Skopenkov2016c] and [Skopenkov2016f, Remark 1.1]).

Example 2.1. (a) Analogously to the Haefliger trefoil knot for any l>1 one constructs a smooth embedding t:S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l}, see [Skopenkov2016h, \S5]. For l even t is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; t represents a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz [Haefliger1962].

It would be interesting to know if for l>1 odd this embedding is a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz_2. The last phrase of [Haefliger1962t] suggests that this is true for l=3.

(b) For any k=1,3,7 let \eta\in\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k}) be the homotopy class of the Hopf map. Denote by \zeta:\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k})\to E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1}\sqcup S^{4k-1}) the Zeeman map, see [Skopenkov2016h, Definition 2.2]. The embedded connected sum \#\zeta\eta of the components of (a representative of) \zeta\eta is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; \#\zeta\eta is a generator of E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\cong\Z [Skopenkov2015a, Corollary 2.13].

[edit] 3 Invariants

Let us define the Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E^{6k}_D(S^{4k-1})\to\Z. The definition is motivated by Haefliger's proof that any embedding S^n\to S^m is isotopic to the standard embedding for 2m\ge3n+4, and by analyzing what obstructs carrying this proof for 2m=3n+3.

By [Haefliger1962, 2.1, 2.2] any embedding f:S^{4k-1}\to S^{6k} has a framing extendable to a framed embedding \overline f:V\to D^{6k+1} of a 4k-manifold V whose boundary is S^{4k-1}, and whose signature is zero. For an integer 2k-cycle c in V let \lambda^*(c)\in\Z be the linking number of f(V) with a slight shift of \overline f(c) along the first vector of the framing. This defines a map \lambda^*:H_{2k}(V;\Z)\to\Z. This map is a homomorphism (as opposed to the Arf map defined in a similar way [Pontryagin1959]). Then by Lefschetz duality there is a unique \lambda\in H_{2k}(V,\partial;\Z) such that \lambda^*[c]=\lambda\cap_V[c] for any [c]\in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Since V has a normal framing, its intersection form \cap_V is even. (Indeed, represent a class in H_{2k}(V;\Z) by a closed oriented 2k-submanifold c. Then \rho_2[c]\cap_V[c]=\overline{w_{2k}}(c\subset V)=\rho_2[c]\cap_VPDw_{2k}(V)=0 because V has a normal framing.) Hence \lambda\cap_V\lambda is an even integer. Define
\displaystyle \varkappa(f):=\lambda\cap_V\lambda/2.

Since the signature of V is zero, there is a symplectic basis \alpha_1,\ldots,\alpha_s,\beta_1,\ldots,\beta_s in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Then clearly

\displaystyle \varkappa(f) = \sum\limits_{j=1}^s \lambda^*(\beta_j)\lambda^*(\alpha_j).

For an alternative definition via Seifert surfaces in 6k-space, discovered in [Guillou&Marin1986], [Takase2004], see [Skopenkov2016t, the Kreck Invariant Lemma 4.5]. For a definition by Kreck, and for a generalization to 3-manifolds see [Skopenkov2016t, \S4].

Sketch of a proof that \varkappa(f) is well-defined (i.e. is independent of V, \overline f, and the framings), and is invariant under isotopy of f. [Haefliger1962, Theorem 2.6] Analogously one defines \lambda(V) and \varkappa(V):=\lambda(V)\cap_V\lambda(V)/2 for a framed 4k-submanifold V of S^{6k+1}. Since \varkappa(V) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism. So \varkappa(V) defines a homomorphism \Omega_{fr}^{4k}(6k+1)=\pi_{6k+1}(S^{2k+1})\to\Z. The latter group is finite by the Serre theorem. Hence the homomorphism is trivial.

Since \varkappa(f) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism of a framed f (and hence of the isotopy of a framed f).

Therefore \varkappa(f) is a well-defined invariant of a framed cobordism class of a framed f. By [Haefliger1962, 2.9] (cf. [Haefliger1962, 2.2 and 2.3]) \varkappa(f) is also independent of the framing of f extendable to a framing of some 4k-manifold V having trivial signature. QED

For definition of the attaching invariant E^{n+q}_D(S^n)\to\pi_n(G_q,SO_q) see [Haefliger1966], [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 4 Classification

Theorem 4.1 [Levine1965, Corollary in p. 44], [Haefliger1966]. For m-n\ge3 the group E^m_D(S^n) is finite unless n=4k-1 and m\le6k, when E^m_D(S^n) is the sum of \Z and a finite group.

Theorem 4.2 (Haefliger-Milgram). We have the following table for the group E^m_D(S^n); in the whole table k\ge1; in the fifth column k\ne2; in the last two columns k\ge2:

\displaystyle \begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c} (m,n)     &2m\ge3n+4 &(6k,4k-1) &(6k+3,4k+1) &(7,4)   &(6k+4,4k+2) &(12k+7,8k+4) & (12k+1,8k)\\  \hline E^m_D(S^n)&0         &\Z        &\Z_2        &\Z_{12} &0           &\Z_4         &\Z_2\oplus\Z_2 \end{array}

Proof for the first four columns, and for the fifth column when k is odd, are presented in [Haefliger1966, 8.15] (see also \S6; some proofs are deduced from that paper using simple calculations, cf. [Skopenkov2005, \S3]; there is a typo in [Haefliger1966, 8.15]: C^{3k}_{4k-2}=0 should be C^{4k}_{8k-2}=0). The remaining results follow from [Haefliger1966, 8.15] and [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Alternative proofs for the cases (m,n)=(7,4),(6,3) are given in [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

Theorem 4.3 [Milgram1972, Corollary G]. We have E^m_D(S^n)=0 if and only if either 2m\ge3n+4, or (m,n)=(6k+4,4k+2), or (m,n)=(3k,2k) and k\equiv3,11\mod12, or (m,n)=(3k+2,2k+2) and k\equiv14,22\mod24.

For a description of 2-components of E^m_D(S^n) see [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Observe that no reliable reference (containing complete proofs) of results announced in [Milgram1972] appeared. Thus, strictly speaking, the corresponding results are conjectures.

The lowest-dimensional unknown groups E^m_D(S^n) are E^8_D(S^5) and E^{11}_D(S^7). Hopefully application of Kreck surgery could be useful to find these groups, cf. [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

For m\ge n+3 the group E^m_D(S^n) has been described as follows, in terms of exact sequences [Haefliger1966], cf. [Levine1965], [Haefliger1966a], [Milgram1972], [Habegger1986].

Theorem 4.4 [Haefliger1966]. For q\ge3 there is the following exact sequence of abelian groups:

\displaystyle  \ldots \to \pi_{n+1}(SG,SO) \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q}_D(S^n) \xrightarrow{~a~} \pi_n(SG_q,SO_q) \xrightarrow{~s~} \pi_n(SG,SO)  \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q-1}_D(S^{n-1})\to \ldots~.

Here SG_q is the space of maps S^{q-1} \to S^{q-1} of degree 1. Restricting a map from SO_q to S^{q-1} \subset \Rr^q identifies SO_q as a subspace of SG_q. Define SG:=SG_1\cup\ldots\cup SG_q\cup\ldots. Analogously define SO. Let s be the stabilization homomorphism. The attaching invariant a and the map u are defined in [Haefliger1966], see also [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 5 Some remarks on codimension 2 knots

For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings of spheres (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in \Rr^3), a complete readily calculable classification (in the sense of Remark 1.2 of [Skopenkov2016c]) is neither known nor expected at the time of writing. However, there is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots. See e.g. the interesting papers [Farber1981], [Farber1983], [Kearton1983], [Farber1984].

On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of concordance, then much is known. See e.g. [Levine1969a] and [Ranicki1998].

[edit] 6 Proof of classification of (4k-1)-knots in 6k-space

Theorem 6.1. The Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\to\Zz is injective for k>1.

The proof is a certain simplification of [Haefliger1962]. We present an exposition structured to make it more accessible to non-specialists.

Lemma 6.2. Let V be a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} such that S^{4k-1}\cong \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1}, signature of V is zero, and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that V'\cong D^{4k} and \partial V'=\partial V.

Proof of Theorem 6.1 using Lemma 6.2. By the first three paragraphs of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], for any embedding g:S^{4k-1}\to \partial B^{6k+1} such that \varkappa(g)=0 there is a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold V of B^{6k+1} with zero signature such that g(S^{4k-1}) = \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1} and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then by Lemma 6.2 there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that D^{4k} \cong V' and \partial V'=\partial V. Recall that isotopy classes of embeddings S^q\to S^n are in 1--1 correspondence with h-cobordism classes of oriented submanifolds of S^n diffeomorphic to S^q for n\ge5, n\ge q+3, cf. [Haefliger1966, 1.8], [Kervaire1965]. Hence g is isotopic to standart embedding. \Box

To prove Lemma 6.2 we need Lemmas 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5. Below manifolds can have non-empty boundaries.

Lemma 6.3 [Whitney lemma; [Prasolov2007], \S22]. Let u: P \rightarrow W be a map from a connected oriented p-manifold P to a simply connected oriented (p+q)-manifold W. If p, q \geq 3, then

  1. If q \geq p, there is a homotopy u_t such that u_0 = u and u_1(P) is an embedding.
  2. Suppose in addition that u(\partial P) \subseteq \partial W and there is a map v: Q \rightarrow W with v(\partial Q) \subseteq \partial W from a connected oriented q-manifold Q such that the algebraic intersection number of u(P) and v(Q) is zero. Then there is a homotopy v_t relative to the boundary such that v_0 = v and v_1(Q) does not intersect u(P). If v is an embedding, the homotopy v_t can be chosen so that v_1 is an embedding.

Below we denote by h: \pi_{m}(\cdot) \rightarrow H_{m}(\cdot) the Hurewicz map.

Lemma 6.4. Let V be a (2k-1)-connected 4k-manifold, and let x_1, \ldots, x_{s} \in H_{2k}(V) be homology classes such that x_i \cap_V x_j = 0 for every i,j. Then there are embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_s: \, S^{2k} \rightarrow V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively.

Proof. As V is (2k-1)-connected, h: \pi_{2k}(V) \rightarrow H_{2k}(V) is an isomorphism. For an element x_i \in H_{2k}(V), let \widetilde{x_i}: S^{2k} \rightarrow V be a representative of the homotopy class h^{-1}(x_i). Applying item 1 of Lemma 6.3 to \widetilde{x_i}, we may assume that \widetilde{x_i} is an embedding.

Make the following inductive procedure. At the i-th step, i=1,\ldots,s, assume that the embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_{i-1} are already constructed, and we construct g_i. Since 2k \geq 3 and V is simply connected, W:=V \setminus \bigcup\limits_{l<j}g_l(S^{2k}) is simply connected for any j < i. The algebraic intersection number of g_j(S^{2k}) and \widetilde{x_i}(S^{2k}) is zero for any j. Hence we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to u=g_j and v=\widetilde{x_i} and W as above for any j < i. So \widetilde{x_i} is replaced by a homotopic embedding g_i, and the images of g_1, \ldots, g_i are pairwise disjoint. After s-th step we obtain a required set of embeddings.

\square

Lemma 6.5. Let V be an orientable 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1}, and g:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that g(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g(S^{2k}) and over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing whose first vector is tangent to g(D^{2k+1}). Assume that g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V. Then g extends to an embedding G: D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V.

Proof. (A slightly different proof is presented in the proof of Proposition 3.3 in [Haefliger1962].) Since g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V, the Euler class of the normal bundle of g(S^{2k}) in V is zero. Since over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing, we obtain that g(S^{2k}) has a framing in V.

Identify all the normal spaces of G(D^{2k+1}) with the normal space at G(0). The normal framing a of g(S^{2k}) in V is orthogonal to G(D^{2k+1}). So a defines a map S^{2k}\to V_{4k,2k}. Let \zeta \in\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k}) be the homotopy class of this map. This is the obstruction to extending a to a normal 2k-framing of G in B^{6k+1} (so apriori \zeta=\zeta(a)). It suffices to prove that \zeta=0.

Consider the exact sequence of the bundle SO_{a+b}/SO_b = V_{a+b,a}: \pi_q(SO_{a+b}) \overset{j}\to \pi_q(V_{a+b,a}) \overset{\partial}\to \pi_{q-1}(SO_b). By the following well-known assertion, \partial\zeta=0: if \alpha\in\pi_q(V_{a,b}), then \partial\alpha is the obstruction to trivialization of the orthogonal complement to the field of b-frames in S^q\times\R^a corresponding to a representative of \alpha.

Consider a map of the exact sequences associated to the inclusion S^{2k} = SO_{2k+1}/SO_{2k} \to V_{4k,2k} = SO_{4k}/SO_{2k}. The composition \pi_{2k}(S^{2k})\overset{i}\to\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\overset{\partial}\to\pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is the boundary map \partial'. The group \pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is in natural 1--1 correspondence with the group of 2k-bundles over S^{2k}. The image \partial'\iota_{2k} is the tangent bundle \tau of S^{2k}. Since the Euler class of n\tau is 2n\ne0, the map \partial' is injective. Since i is an isomorphism, the map \partial is injective. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

Alternatively, by [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] \pi_{2k}(SO_{4k}) is a finite group (in [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m}) is correct, although the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m+1}) is incorrect because \pi_3(SO_3)\cong\Z\oplus\Z). Since \pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\cong\Z, we obtain that j=0 for a=b=2k. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

\square

Lemma 6.6. Let V be a 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} and let G:D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V. Then there is a smooth submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} homeomorphic to V\backslash ( G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})) \bigcup G(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-1}) and such that V\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})=V'\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}).

Lemma 6.6 is essentialy proved in [Haefliger1962, \S3.3].

Proof of Lemma 6.2 using Lemmas 6.4, 6.5. By the fourth paragraph of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], there is a basis \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s in H_{2k}(V) such that \alpha_i\cap \alpha_j=\beta_i\cap \beta_j = 0, \alpha_i\cap \beta_j=\delta_{i, j} and \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0 for any i, j. From Lemma 6.4 it follows that there are embeddings f_1, \ldots, f_s:S^{2k}\to V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively. [!!!such that f_{i*}[S^{2k}]=\alpha_i for every i=1,\ldots,s]

For i=1,\ldots,s denote by \alpha_i'\in\pi_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V) the homotopy class of the shift of f_i by the first vector of the framing of V on f_i(S^{2k}). Since \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0, we have h\alpha_i' =0 \in H_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V). Since \mbox{dim} B^{6k+1}-\mbox{dim} V=6k+1-4k=2k+1, the complement B^{6k+1}\backslash V is (2k-1)-connected. Hence by Hurewicz Theorem h\alpha_i'=0 implies \alpha_i'=0. Therefore there are extensions g_1, \ldots, g_s:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} of f_1, \ldots, f_s such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g_i(S^{2k}).

Take \varepsilon>0 such that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})\cap V= g_i(\mbox{Int} D^{2k+1})\cap V for any i\leq s. Take a tubular neighborhoods U_i of g_i(S^{2k}) such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\backslash U_i=g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) for any i\leq s. The algebraic intersection number of g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) and V\backslash U_i equals \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=\lambda^*(g_{i*}[S^{2k}])=0. We have \pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i)=\pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash g_i(S^{2k}))=0. So we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to v=g_i|_{\varepsilon D^{2k+1}}, k:V\backslash U_i\to B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i the inclusion, and W=B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i. So we may assume that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) does not intersect V \backslash U_i. Hence we may assume that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V=g_i(S^{2k}).

Apply Lemma 6.5 to g=g_1, \ldots, g_s one by one, and to the manifold V. Denote by G_1, \ldots, G_s the resulting maps. Define manifolds V^{i} for 0\leq i\leq s inductively. Let V^0:=V, and let V^{i} be a manifold V' obtained applying Lemma 6.6 for V=V^{i-1} and G=G_i. By Lemma 6.6, \pi_1(V)=\pi_1(V^s)= 0 and H_j(V)=H_j(V^s)= 0 for j<2k. Since \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s is a symplectic basis in H_{2k}(V), it follows that H_{2k}(V^s)= 0. Then from Generalized Poincare conjecture proved by Smale it follows that V^s\cup_{\partial V^s=\partial D^{4k}} D^{4k}\cong S^{4k}. Hence D^{4k} \cong V^s. Then take V':=V^s. \Box

[edit] References

  • [Crowley&Skopenkov2008] D. Crowley and A. Skopenkov, A classification of smooth embeddings of 4-manifolds in 7-space, II, Intern. J. Math., 22:6 (2011) 731-757. Available at the arXiv:0808.1795.
  • [Farber1981] M. Sh. Farber, Classification of stable fibered knots, Mat. Sb. (N.S.), 115(157):2(6) (1981) 223–262.
  • [Farber1983] M. Sh. Farber, The classification of simple knots, Russian Math. Surveys, 38:5 (1983).

  • [Farber1984] M. Sh. Farber, An algebraic classification of some even-dimensional spherical knots I, II, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 281 (1984), 507-528; 529-570.
  • [Fomenko&Fuchs2016] A. T. Fomenko and D. B. Fuks, Homotopical Topology. Translated from the Russian. Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 273. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2016. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-23488-5.

$. Restricting an element of $SO_n$ to $S^{n-1} \subset \Rr^n$ identifies $SO_n$ as a subspace of $G_n$. Some readily calculable corollaries of this classification are recalled in \cite[$\S.3]{Skopenkov2006}.
== Codimension 2 knots == ; For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in $\Rr^3$), a complete readily calculable classification is neither known nor expected at the time of writing. On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of ''concordance'', then much is known. See e.g. \cite{Levine1969a}, \cite{Cappell&Shaneson1974} and \cite{Ranicki1998}. There is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots, most of which does not present a readily calculable classification (in the sense of [[Embeddings_in_Euclidean_space:_an_introduction_to_their_classification#Introduction|Remark 1.1]] of \cite{Skopenkov2016c}). See e.g. interesting papers \cite{Farber1981}, \cite{Farber1983}, \cite{Kearton1983}, \cite{Farber1984}. == References == {{#RefList:}} [[Category:Manifolds]] [[Category:Embeddings of manifolds]]\S1, \S3].

[edit] 2 Examples

There are smooth embeddings S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l} which are not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding. They are PS (piecewise smoothly) isotopic to the standard embedding (by the Zeeman Unknotting Spheres Theorem 2.3 of [Skopenkov2016c] and [Skopenkov2016f, Remark 1.1]).

Example 2.1. (a) Analogously to the Haefliger trefoil knot for any l>1 one constructs a smooth embedding t:S^{2l-1}\to\Rr^{3l}, see [Skopenkov2016h, \S5]. For l even t is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; t represents a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz [Haefliger1962].

It would be interesting to know if for l>1 odd this embedding is a generator of E_D^{3l}(S^{2l-1})\cong\Zz_2. The last phrase of [Haefliger1962t] suggests that this is true for l=3.

(b) For any k=1,3,7 let \eta\in\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k}) be the homotopy class of the Hopf map. Denote by \zeta:\pi_{4k-1}(S^{2k})\to E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1}\sqcup S^{4k-1}) the Zeeman map, see [Skopenkov2016h, Definition 2.2]. The embedded connected sum \#\zeta\eta of the components of (a representative of) \zeta\eta is not smoothly isotopic to the standard embedding; \#\zeta\eta is a generator of E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\cong\Z [Skopenkov2015a, Corollary 2.13].

[edit] 3 Invariants

Let us define the Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E^{6k}_D(S^{4k-1})\to\Z. The definition is motivated by Haefliger's proof that any embedding S^n\to S^m is isotopic to the standard embedding for 2m\ge3n+4, and by analyzing what obstructs carrying this proof for 2m=3n+3.

By [Haefliger1962, 2.1, 2.2] any embedding f:S^{4k-1}\to S^{6k} has a framing extendable to a framed embedding \overline f:V\to D^{6k+1} of a 4k-manifold V whose boundary is S^{4k-1}, and whose signature is zero. For an integer 2k-cycle c in V let \lambda^*(c)\in\Z be the linking number of f(V) with a slight shift of \overline f(c) along the first vector of the framing. This defines a map \lambda^*:H_{2k}(V;\Z)\to\Z. This map is a homomorphism (as opposed to the Arf map defined in a similar way [Pontryagin1959]). Then by Lefschetz duality there is a unique \lambda\in H_{2k}(V,\partial;\Z) such that \lambda^*[c]=\lambda\cap_V[c] for any [c]\in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Since V has a normal framing, its intersection form \cap_V is even. (Indeed, represent a class in H_{2k}(V;\Z) by a closed oriented 2k-submanifold c. Then \rho_2[c]\cap_V[c]=\overline{w_{2k}}(c\subset V)=\rho_2[c]\cap_VPDw_{2k}(V)=0 because V has a normal framing.) Hence \lambda\cap_V\lambda is an even integer. Define
\displaystyle \varkappa(f):=\lambda\cap_V\lambda/2.

Since the signature of V is zero, there is a symplectic basis \alpha_1,\ldots,\alpha_s,\beta_1,\ldots,\beta_s in H_{2k}(V;\Z). Then clearly

\displaystyle \varkappa(f) = \sum\limits_{j=1}^s \lambda^*(\beta_j)\lambda^*(\alpha_j).

For an alternative definition via Seifert surfaces in 6k-space, discovered in [Guillou&Marin1986], [Takase2004], see [Skopenkov2016t, the Kreck Invariant Lemma 4.5]. For a definition by Kreck, and for a generalization to 3-manifolds see [Skopenkov2016t, \S4].

Sketch of a proof that \varkappa(f) is well-defined (i.e. is independent of V, \overline f, and the framings), and is invariant under isotopy of f. [Haefliger1962, Theorem 2.6] Analogously one defines \lambda(V) and \varkappa(V):=\lambda(V)\cap_V\lambda(V)/2 for a framed 4k-submanifold V of S^{6k+1}. Since \varkappa(V) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism. So \varkappa(V) defines a homomorphism \Omega_{fr}^{4k}(6k+1)=\pi_{6k+1}(S^{2k+1})\to\Z. The latter group is finite by the Serre theorem. Hence the homomorphism is trivial.

Since \varkappa(f) is a characteristic number, it is independent of framed cobordism of a framed f (and hence of the isotopy of a framed f).

Therefore \varkappa(f) is a well-defined invariant of a framed cobordism class of a framed f. By [Haefliger1962, 2.9] (cf. [Haefliger1962, 2.2 and 2.3]) \varkappa(f) is also independent of the framing of f extendable to a framing of some 4k-manifold V having trivial signature. QED

For definition of the attaching invariant E^{n+q}_D(S^n)\to\pi_n(G_q,SO_q) see [Haefliger1966], [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 4 Classification

Theorem 4.1 [Levine1965, Corollary in p. 44], [Haefliger1966]. For m-n\ge3 the group E^m_D(S^n) is finite unless n=4k-1 and m\le6k, when E^m_D(S^n) is the sum of \Z and a finite group.

Theorem 4.2 (Haefliger-Milgram). We have the following table for the group E^m_D(S^n); in the whole table k\ge1; in the fifth column k\ne2; in the last two columns k\ge2:

\displaystyle \begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c} (m,n)     &2m\ge3n+4 &(6k,4k-1) &(6k+3,4k+1) &(7,4)   &(6k+4,4k+2) &(12k+7,8k+4) & (12k+1,8k)\\  \hline E^m_D(S^n)&0         &\Z        &\Z_2        &\Z_{12} &0           &\Z_4         &\Z_2\oplus\Z_2 \end{array}

Proof for the first four columns, and for the fifth column when k is odd, are presented in [Haefliger1966, 8.15] (see also \S6; some proofs are deduced from that paper using simple calculations, cf. [Skopenkov2005, \S3]; there is a typo in [Haefliger1966, 8.15]: C^{3k}_{4k-2}=0 should be C^{4k}_{8k-2}=0). The remaining results follow from [Haefliger1966, 8.15] and [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Alternative proofs for the cases (m,n)=(7,4),(6,3) are given in [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

Theorem 4.3 [Milgram1972, Corollary G]. We have E^m_D(S^n)=0 if and only if either 2m\ge3n+4, or (m,n)=(6k+4,4k+2), or (m,n)=(3k,2k) and k\equiv3,11\mod12, or (m,n)=(3k+2,2k+2) and k\equiv14,22\mod24.

For a description of 2-components of E^m_D(S^n) see [Milgram1972, Theorem F]. Observe that no reliable reference (containing complete proofs) of results announced in [Milgram1972] appeared. Thus, strictly speaking, the corresponding results are conjectures.

The lowest-dimensional unknown groups E^m_D(S^n) are E^8_D(S^5) and E^{11}_D(S^7). Hopefully application of Kreck surgery could be useful to find these groups, cf. [Skopenkov2005], [Crowley&Skopenkov2008], [Skopenkov2008].

For m\ge n+3 the group E^m_D(S^n) has been described as follows, in terms of exact sequences [Haefliger1966], cf. [Levine1965], [Haefliger1966a], [Milgram1972], [Habegger1986].

Theorem 4.4 [Haefliger1966]. For q\ge3 there is the following exact sequence of abelian groups:

\displaystyle  \ldots \to \pi_{n+1}(SG,SO) \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q}_D(S^n) \xrightarrow{~a~} \pi_n(SG_q,SO_q) \xrightarrow{~s~} \pi_n(SG,SO)  \xrightarrow{~u~} E^{n+q-1}_D(S^{n-1})\to \ldots~.

Here SG_q is the space of maps S^{q-1} \to S^{q-1} of degree 1. Restricting a map from SO_q to S^{q-1} \subset \Rr^q identifies SO_q as a subspace of SG_q. Define SG:=SG_1\cup\ldots\cup SG_q\cup\ldots. Analogously define SO. Let s be the stabilization homomorphism. The attaching invariant a and the map u are defined in [Haefliger1966], see also [Skopenkov2005, \S3].

[edit] 5 Some remarks on codimension 2 knots

For the best known specific case, i.e. for codimension 2 embeddings of spheres (in particular, for the classical theory of knots in \Rr^3), a complete readily calculable classification (in the sense of Remark 1.2 of [Skopenkov2016c]) is neither known nor expected at the time of writing. However, there is a vast literature on codimension 2 knots. See e.g. the interesting papers [Farber1981], [Farber1983], [Kearton1983], [Farber1984].

On the other hand, if one studies embeddings up to the weaker relation of concordance, then much is known. See e.g. [Levine1969a] and [Ranicki1998].

[edit] 6 Proof of classification of (4k-1)-knots in 6k-space

Theorem 6.1. The Haefliger invariant \varkappa:E_D^{6k}(S^{4k-1})\to\Zz is injective for k>1.

The proof is a certain simplification of [Haefliger1962]. We present an exposition structured to make it more accessible to non-specialists.

Lemma 6.2. Let V be a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} such that S^{4k-1}\cong \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1}, signature of V is zero, and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that V'\cong D^{4k} and \partial V'=\partial V.

Proof of Theorem 6.1 using Lemma 6.2. By the first three paragraphs of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], for any embedding g:S^{4k-1}\to \partial B^{6k+1} such that \varkappa(g)=0 there is a framed (2k-1)-connected 4k-submanifold V of B^{6k+1} with zero signature such that g(S^{4k-1}) = \partial V \subset \partial B^{6k+1} and \varkappa(V) = 0. Then by Lemma 6.2 there is a submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} such that D^{4k} \cong V' and \partial V'=\partial V. Recall that isotopy classes of embeddings S^q\to S^n are in 1--1 correspondence with h-cobordism classes of oriented submanifolds of S^n diffeomorphic to S^q for n\ge5, n\ge q+3, cf. [Haefliger1966, 1.8], [Kervaire1965]. Hence g is isotopic to standart embedding. \Box

To prove Lemma 6.2 we need Lemmas 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5. Below manifolds can have non-empty boundaries.

Lemma 6.3 [Whitney lemma; [Prasolov2007], \S22]. Let u: P \rightarrow W be a map from a connected oriented p-manifold P to a simply connected oriented (p+q)-manifold W. If p, q \geq 3, then

  1. If q \geq p, there is a homotopy u_t such that u_0 = u and u_1(P) is an embedding.
  2. Suppose in addition that u(\partial P) \subseteq \partial W and there is a map v: Q \rightarrow W with v(\partial Q) \subseteq \partial W from a connected oriented q-manifold Q such that the algebraic intersection number of u(P) and v(Q) is zero. Then there is a homotopy v_t relative to the boundary such that v_0 = v and v_1(Q) does not intersect u(P). If v is an embedding, the homotopy v_t can be chosen so that v_1 is an embedding.

Below we denote by h: \pi_{m}(\cdot) \rightarrow H_{m}(\cdot) the Hurewicz map.

Lemma 6.4. Let V be a (2k-1)-connected 4k-manifold, and let x_1, \ldots, x_{s} \in H_{2k}(V) be homology classes such that x_i \cap_V x_j = 0 for every i,j. Then there are embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_s: \, S^{2k} \rightarrow V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively.

Proof. As V is (2k-1)-connected, h: \pi_{2k}(V) \rightarrow H_{2k}(V) is an isomorphism. For an element x_i \in H_{2k}(V), let \widetilde{x_i}: S^{2k} \rightarrow V be a representative of the homotopy class h^{-1}(x_i). Applying item 1 of Lemma 6.3 to \widetilde{x_i}, we may assume that \widetilde{x_i} is an embedding.

Make the following inductive procedure. At the i-th step, i=1,\ldots,s, assume that the embeddings g_1, \ldots, g_{i-1} are already constructed, and we construct g_i. Since 2k \geq 3 and V is simply connected, W:=V \setminus \bigcup\limits_{l<j}g_l(S^{2k}) is simply connected for any j < i. The algebraic intersection number of g_j(S^{2k}) and \widetilde{x_i}(S^{2k}) is zero for any j. Hence we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to u=g_j and v=\widetilde{x_i} and W as above for any j < i. So \widetilde{x_i} is replaced by a homotopic embedding g_i, and the images of g_1, \ldots, g_i are pairwise disjoint. After s-th step we obtain a required set of embeddings.

\square

Lemma 6.5. Let V be an orientable 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1}, and g:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that g(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g(S^{2k}) and over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing whose first vector is tangent to g(D^{2k+1}). Assume that g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V. Then g extends to an embedding G: D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V.

Proof. (A slightly different proof is presented in the proof of Proposition 3.3 in [Haefliger1962].) Since g(S^{2k}) has zero algebraic self-intersection in V, the Euler class of the normal bundle of g(S^{2k}) in V is zero. Since over g(S^{2k}) the manifold V has a framing, we obtain that g(S^{2k}) has a framing in V.

Identify all the normal spaces of G(D^{2k+1}) with the normal space at G(0). The normal framing a of g(S^{2k}) in V is orthogonal to G(D^{2k+1}). So a defines a map S^{2k}\to V_{4k,2k}. Let \zeta \in\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k}) be the homotopy class of this map. This is the obstruction to extending a to a normal 2k-framing of G in B^{6k+1} (so apriori \zeta=\zeta(a)). It suffices to prove that \zeta=0.

Consider the exact sequence of the bundle SO_{a+b}/SO_b = V_{a+b,a}: \pi_q(SO_{a+b}) \overset{j}\to \pi_q(V_{a+b,a}) \overset{\partial}\to \pi_{q-1}(SO_b). By the following well-known assertion, \partial\zeta=0: if \alpha\in\pi_q(V_{a,b}), then \partial\alpha is the obstruction to trivialization of the orthogonal complement to the field of b-frames in S^q\times\R^a corresponding to a representative of \alpha.

Consider a map of the exact sequences associated to the inclusion S^{2k} = SO_{2k+1}/SO_{2k} \to V_{4k,2k} = SO_{4k}/SO_{2k}. The composition \pi_{2k}(S^{2k})\overset{i}\to\pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\overset{\partial}\to\pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is the boundary map \partial'. The group \pi_{2k-1}(SO_{2k}) is in natural 1--1 correspondence with the group of 2k-bundles over S^{2k}. The image \partial'\iota_{2k} is the tangent bundle \tau of S^{2k}. Since the Euler class of n\tau is 2n\ne0, the map \partial' is injective. Since i is an isomorphism, the map \partial is injective. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

Alternatively, by [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] \pi_{2k}(SO_{4k}) is a finite group (in [Fomenko&Fuchs2016, Corollary in \S25.4] the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m}) is correct, although the formula for \pi_q(SO_{2m+1}) is incorrect because \pi_3(SO_3)\cong\Z\oplus\Z). Since \pi_{2k}(V_{4k,2k})\cong\Z, we obtain that j=0 for a=b=2k. This and \partial\zeta=0 imply that \zeta=0.

\square

Lemma 6.6. Let V be a 4k-submanifold of B^{6k+1} and let G:D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}\to B^{6k+1} be an embedding such that G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})\subset V. Then there is a smooth submanifold V'\subset B^{6k+1} homeomorphic to V\backslash ( G(S^{2k}\times D^{2k})) \bigcup G(D^{2k+1}\times S^{2k-1}) and such that V\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k})=V'\backslash G(D^{2k+1}\times D^{2k}).

Lemma 6.6 is essentialy proved in [Haefliger1962, \S3.3].

Proof of Lemma 6.2 using Lemmas 6.4, 6.5. By the fourth paragraph of the proof of Theorem 3.1 in [Haefliger1962], there is a basis \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s in H_{2k}(V) such that \alpha_i\cap \alpha_j=\beta_i\cap \beta_j = 0, \alpha_i\cap \beta_j=\delta_{i, j} and \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0 for any i, j. From Lemma 6.4 it follows that there are embeddings f_1, \ldots, f_s:S^{2k}\to V with pairwise disjoint images representing x_1, \ldots, x_s, respectively. [!!!such that f_{i*}[S^{2k}]=\alpha_i for every i=1,\ldots,s]

For i=1,\ldots,s denote by \alpha_i'\in\pi_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V) the homotopy class of the shift of f_i by the first vector of the framing of V on f_i(S^{2k}). Since \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=0, we have h\alpha_i' =0 \in H_{2k}(B^{6k+1}\backslash V). Since \mbox{dim} B^{6k+1}-\mbox{dim} V=6k+1-4k=2k+1, the complement B^{6k+1}\backslash V is (2k-1)-connected. Hence by Hurewicz Theorem h\alpha_i'=0 implies \alpha_i'=0. Therefore there are extensions g_1, \ldots, g_s:D^{2k+1}\to B^{6k+1} of f_1, \ldots, f_s such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V = g_i(S^{2k}).

Take \varepsilon>0 such that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1})\cap V= g_i(\mbox{Int} D^{2k+1})\cap V for any i\leq s. Take a tubular neighborhoods U_i of g_i(S^{2k}) such that g_i(D^{2k+1})\backslash U_i=g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) for any i\leq s. The algebraic intersection number of g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) and V\backslash U_i equals \lambda^*(\alpha_i)=\lambda^*(g_{i*}[S^{2k}])=0. We have \pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i)=\pi_1(B^{6k+1}\backslash g_i(S^{2k}))=0. So we can apply item 2 of Lemma 6.3 to v=g_i|_{\varepsilon D^{2k+1}}, k:V\backslash U_i\to B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i the inclusion, and W=B^{6k+1}\backslash U_i. So we may assume that g_i(\varepsilon D^{2k+1}) does not intersect V \backslash U_i. Hence we may assume that g_i(D^{2k+1})\cap V=g_i(S^{2k}).

Apply Lemma 6.5 to g=g_1, \ldots, g_s one by one, and to the manifold V. Denote by G_1, \ldots, G_s the resulting maps. Define manifolds V^{i} for 0\leq i\leq s inductively. Let V^0:=V, and let V^{i} be a manifold V' obtained applying Lemma 6.6 for V=V^{i-1} and G=G_i. By Lemma 6.6, \pi_1(V)=\pi_1(V^s)= 0 and H_j(V)=H_j(V^s)= 0 for j<2k. Since \alpha_1, \ldots, \alpha_s, \beta_1, \ldots, \beta_s is a symplectic basis in H_{2k}(V), it follows that H_{2k}(V^s)= 0. Then from Generalized Poincare conjecture proved by Smale it follows that V^s\cup_{\partial V^s=\partial D^{4k}} D^{4k}\cong S^{4k}. Hence D^{4k} \cong V^s. Then take V':=V^s. \Box

[edit] References

  • [Crowley&Skopenkov2008] D. Crowley and A. Skopenkov, A classification of smooth embeddings of 4-manifolds in 7-space, II, Intern. J. Math., 22:6 (2011) 731-757. Available at the arXiv:0808.1795.
  • [Farber1981] M. Sh. Farber, Classification of stable fibered knots, Mat. Sb. (N.S.), 115(157):2(6) (1981) 223–262.
  • [Farber1983] M. Sh. Farber, The classification of simple knots, Russian Math. Surveys, 38:5 (1983).

  • [Farber1984] M. Sh. Farber, An algebraic classification of some even-dimensional spherical knots I, II, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 281 (1984), 507-528; 529-570.
  • [Fomenko&Fuchs2016] A. T. Fomenko and D. B. Fuks, Homotopical Topology. Translated from the Russian. Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 273. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2016. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-23488-5.

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