Semiquandles and flat virtual knots

Abstract

We introduce an algebraic structure we call semiquandles whose axioms are derived from flat Reidemeister moves. Finite semiquandles have associated counting invariants and enhanced invariants defined for flat virtual knots and links. We also introduce singular semiquandles and virtual singular semiquandles which define invariants of flat singular virtual knots and links. As an application, we use semiquandle invariants to compare two Vassiliev invariants.Comment: 14 page