A refinement of the Q-Polynomial for twisted knots
This paper introduces a two-variable polynomial invariant for oriented twisted knots, denoted by $Q_{K}^{z}(s,t)$, refining the $Q$-polynomial of N. Kamada and S. Kamada \cite{NaoSei}. We exhibit an infinite family of twisted knots indistinguishable by the $Q$-polynomial but separated by the $Q^z$-polynomial. To prove invariance, we first determine a generating set of oriented Reidemeister moves for twisted knot diagrams, extending the result of Ali \cite{Dan} for oriented virtual knots; this result is new and of independent interest, as it provides the minimal framework needed to verify invariance of any oriented twisted knot invariant. As further applications, we derive an explicit crossing change formula, obtain lower bounds on the Gordian distance between homotopic twisted knots, examine the existence of cosmetic crossings in a twisted knot diagram, and finally prove that $Q^{z}_{K}(s,t)$ is a Vassiliev invariant of order one.