On the relation between the three Reidemeister moves and the three gauge groups

Abstract

Quantum theory suggests that the three observed gauge groups U(1), SU(2) and SU(3) are related to the three Reidemeister moves: twists, pokes and slides. The background for the relation is provided. It is then shown that twists generate the group U(1), whereas pokes generate SU(2). Emphasis is placed on proving the relation between slides, the Gell-Mann matrices, and the Lie group SU(3). Consequences for unification are deduced.