Geometry & Topology 4 (2000) 243–275

DOI: 10.2140/gt.2000.4.243

arXiv: math.GT/9910099

Abstract

It is a consequence of theorems of Gordon-Reid [J. Knot Theory Ram. 4 (1995) 389–409] and Thompson [Topology 36 (1997) 505–507] that a tunnel number one knot, if put in thin position, will also be in bridge position. We show that in such a thin presentation, the tunnel can be made level so that it lies in a level sphere. This settles a question raised by Morimoto [Bull. Fac. Eng. Takushoku Univ. 3 (1992) 219–225], who showed that the (now known) classification of unknotting tunnels for 2–bridge knots would follow quickly if it were known that any unknotting tunnel can be made level.

Keywords

tunnel, unknotting tunnel, bridge position, thin position, Heegaard splitting

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 57M25

Secondary: 57M27

References

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Publication

Received: 17 January 2000
Accepted: 18 September 2000
Published: 3 October 2000
Proposed: Cameron Gordon
Seconded: Robion Kirby, David Gabai

Authors