An algorithm to calculate generalized Seifert matrices

Abstract

We develop an algorithm for computing generalized Seifert matrices for colored links given as closures of colored braids. The algorithm has been implemented by the second author as a computer program called Clasper. Clasper also outputs the Conway potential function, the multivariable Alexander polynomial, the Cimasoni-Florens signatures and the nullities of a link, and displays a visualization of the C-complex used for producing the generalized Seifert matrices.