An n-lace ℓ (in $R^2$) is the union $ℓ_1∪…∪ℓ_n$ of disjoint simple arcs in $R^2$ such that $∂ℓ_i = {(i,1),(π(i),-1)}$, i = 1, …, n, for some permutation π of {1,2,…,n}. We denote by $L_n$ the set of isotopy classes of n-laces.
In this thesis, we investigate planar laces using geometric and algebraic methods. First, using geometric and combinatorial methods we show that there is an one to one correspondence between 1-laces on 1-punctured plane and a set of integer pairs. And we find a relationship between integer pair and cobordism class of 1-laces on 1-punctured plane. We have similar results for 2-laces on $S^2$.
For the algebraic method, we use the mapping class group of plane.
We obtain the presentation of a subgroup $LM_{2n}$ which acts on planar laces transitively as a subgroup of mapping class group. And we have the presentation of isotropy subgroup $T_n$ of trivial laces.
The map β: $L_n→B_n$ is defined geometrically. The preimages of trivial braid are called pseudo trivial laces. We define an algebraic map b: LM_{2n}→B_n$ which factors through $L_n$. Then using the map b, we find the subgroup $PL_{2n}$ which acts on pseudo trivial laces transitively.
We have devised an algorithm of cap reducing process to detect pseudo trivial laces. Cap reducing process is a sequence of finger moves which do not change braid type. We can deform a lace to a lower lace by cap reducing process. We show that a given lace is pseudo trivial if and only if the lower lace obtained by cap reducing process is trivial.
Finally, we have a relationship between lace links and pseudo trivial laces. Any n-bridge n-components link can be obtained from pure n-laces. We show that any n-bridge n-components link can be obtained from pseudo trivial n-laces.