Three-dimensionalizing the eight-vertex model

Abstract: A simple ansatz is proposed for two-color R-matrix satisfying the tetrahedron equation. It generalizes, on one hand, a particular case of the eight-vertex model to three dimensions, and on another hand - Hietarinta's permutation-type operators to their linear combinations. Each separate R-matrix depends on one parameter, and the tetrahedron equation holds provided the quadruple of parameters belongs to an algebraic set containing five irreducible two-dimensional components.