Invariants for links from classical and affine Yokonuma--Hecke algebras

Abstract: We present a construction of invariants for links using an isomorphism theorem for affine Yokonuma--Hecke algebras. The isomorphism relates affine Yokonuma--Hecke algebras with usual affine Hecke algebras. We use it to construct a large class of Markov traces on affine Yokonuma--Hecke algebras, and in turn, to produce invariants for links in the solid torus. By restriction, this construction contains the construction of invariants for classical links from classical Yokonuma--Hecke algebras. In general, the obtained invariants form an infinite family of 3-variables polynomials. As a consequence of the construction via the isomorphism, we reduce the number of invariants to study, given the number of connected components of a link. In particular, if the link is a classical link with N components, we show that N invariants generate the whole family.