Eigen selection in spectral clustering: a theory guided practice

Abstract: Based on a Gaussian mixture type model , we derive an eigen selection procedure that improves the usual spectral clustering in high-dimensional settings. Concretely, we derive the asymptotic expansion of the spiked eigenvalues under eigenvalue multiplicity and eigenvalue ratio concentration results, giving rise to the first theory-backed eigen selection procedure in spectral clustering. The resulting eigen-selected spectral clustering (ESSC) algorithm enjoys better stability and compares favorably against canonical alternatives. We demonstrate the advantages of ESSC using extensive simulation and multiple real data studies.