A polynomial invariant of oriented links (Q1085837)

The authors introduce a polynomial in 2 variables which specializes to the Alexander polynomial and the Jones polynomial. The authors show that their polynomial is well defined on link types, although it is calculated from a presentation. They derive a number of fascinating properties of the polynomial, some of these show its strength, some its weakness. They pose 10 questions regarding the polynomial and include tables of the polynomial for knots and links. The polynomial has also been defined independently by \textit{P. Freyd} et al. [Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 12, 239-246 (1985; Zbl 0572.57002)].