Covering Linkage Invariants

Abstract

Let K be a knot in a manifold M. Corresponding to a representation of Π₁(M — K) into a transitive group of permutations there is a branched covering space of M. K is covered by which may be a link of several components. The set of linking numbers between the various components of has long been recognised as a useful knot invariant. Bankwitz and Schumann used this invariant in considering dihedral coverings of Viergeflechte.