## Geometry & Topology

### Legendrian and transverse cables of positive torus knots

#### Abstract

We classify Legendrian and transverse knots in the knot types obtained from positive torus knots by cabling. This classification allows us to demonstrate several new phenomena. Specifically, we show there are knot types that have nondestabilizable Legendrian representatives whose Thurston–Bennequin invariant is arbitrarily far from maximal. We also exhibit Legendrian knots requiring arbitrarily many stabilizations before they become Legendrian isotopic. Similar new phenomena are observed for transverse knots. To achieve these results we define and study “partially thickenable” tori, which allow us to completely classify solid tori representing positive torus knots.

#### Article information

Source
Geom. Topol., Volume 16, Number 3 (2012), 1639-1689.

Dates
Revised: 3 March 2012
Accepted: 5 June 2012
First available in Project Euclid: 20 December 2017

https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.gt/1513732445

Digital Object Identifier
doi:10.2140/gt.2012.16.1639

Mathematical Reviews number (MathSciNet)
MR2967060

Zentralblatt MATH identifier
1282.53064

Keywords
Legendrian contact cable torus knot

#### Citation

Etnyre, John B; LaFountain, Douglas J; Tosun, Bülent. Legendrian and transverse cables of positive torus knots. Geom. Topol. 16 (2012), no. 3, 1639--1689. doi:10.2140/gt.2012.16.1639. https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.gt/1513732445

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