Monopoles and transverse knots

Abstract

We present a framework for studying transverse knots and symplectic surfaces utilizing the Seiberg-Witten monopole equation. Our primary approach involves investigating an equivariant Seiberg-Witten theory introduced by Baraglia-Hekmati on branched covers, incorporating invariant contact/symplectic structures. Within this framework, we introduce a novel slice-torus invariant denoted as $q_M(K)$. This invariant can be viewed as the Seiberg-Witten analog of Hendricks-Lipshitz-Sarker's $q_\tau$ invariant, with a signature correction term. One property of the invariant $q_M(K)$ is an adjunction equality for properly embedded connected symplectic surfaces in the symplectic filling $D^4\# m \overline{\mathbb{C}P}^2$. The proof of this equality utilizes the equivariant version of the homotopical contact invariant introduced by the authors, leading to a transverse knot invariant. Another ingredient of the proof involves constructing invariant symplectic structures on branched covering spaces branched along properly embedded symplectic surfaces in symplectic fillings. As an application of the invariant $q_M(K)$, we determine the value of any slice-torus invariant within a permissible deviation of $2$ for squeezed knots concordant to certain Montesinos knots. Additionally, we provide an obstruction to realizing second homology classes of $D^4 \#m \overline{\mathbb{C}P}^2$ as connected embedded symplectic surfaces with transverse knot boundary or connected embedded Lagrangian surfaces with collarable Legendrian knot boundary. Moreover, we introduce a new obstruction to certain Montesinos knots being quasipositive, which is described only in terms of slice genera and their signatures.