Planar algebra

Planar algebra is a mathematical structure that arises in the study of operator algebras and three-dimensional topology. It was introduced by Vaughan Jones in the context of his work on knot theory and nontrivial solutions to the Jones polynomial. Planar algebras provide a framework for understanding the relationship between combinatorial structures, algebraic objects, and topological phenomena. In essence, a planar algebra consists of a collection of vector spaces parameterized by non-negative integers, typically with a specified multiplication operation.