Characterization of the OU matrix of a braid diagram

Abstract: The OU matrix of a braid diagram is a square matrix that represents the number of over/under crossings of each pair of strands. In this paper, the OU matrix of a pure braid diagram is characterized for up to 5 strands. As an application, the crossing matrix of a positive pure braid is also characterized for up to 5 strands. Moreover, a standard form of the OU matrix is given and characterized for general braids of up to 5 strands.