Nonlinear spectral graph theory (2504.03566v1)

Abstract: Nonlinear spectral graph theory is an extension of the traditional (linear) spectral graph theory and studies relationships between spectral properties of nonlinear operators defined on a graph and topological properties of the graph itself. Many of these relationships get tighter when going from the linear to the nonlinear case. In this manuscript, we discuss the spectral theory of the graph $p$-Laplacian operator. In particular we report links between the $p$-Laplacian spectrum and higher-order Cheeger (or isoperimetric) constants, sphere packing constants, independence and matching numbers of the graph. The main aim of this paper is to present a complete and self-contained introduction to the problem accompanied by a discussion of the main results and the proof of new results that fill some gaps in the theory. The majority of the new results are devoted to the study of the graph infinity Laplacian spectrum and the information that it yields about the packing radii, the independence numbers and the matching number of the graph. This is accompanied by a novel discussion about the nodal domains induced by the infinity eigenfunctions. There are also new results about the variational spectrum of the $p$-Laplacian, the regularity of the $p$-Laplacian spectrum varying $p$, and the relations between the $1$-Laplacian spectrum and new Cheeger constants.

Overview of Nonlinear Spectral Graph Theory

The paper "Nonlinear Spectral Graph Theory" presents an in-depth exploration of the spectral properties associated with nonlinear operators on graphs, specifically focusing on the graph $p$-Laplacian. This research aims to fill gaps in the existing theory, providing results that link the $p$-Laplacian spectrum to various graph parameters and highlighting both theoretical and practical implications. The authors Piero Deidda, Francesco Tudisco, and Dong Zhang offer new insights into nonlinear spectral graph theory, a field which diverges from traditional spectral graph theory by replacing linear operators with nonlinear ones.

Key Contributions and Findings

The paper investigates several key areas within nonlinear spectral graph theory:

1. Graph $p$-Laplacian Operator: The authors expand upon the spectral theory of the graph $p$-Laplacian operator, a generalization of the linear Laplacian operator, detailing its relationships with Cheeger constants, sphere packing constants, independence numbers, and matching numbers across varying $p$.
2. Spectrum and Nodal Domains: One of the primary focuses is the connection between the $p$-Laplacian spectrum and nodal domains of eigenfunctions. The research demonstrates that the number of nodal domains induced by an eigenfunction correlates strongly with the frequency or index of the $p$-Laplacian eigenvalues.
3. Limiting Behavior: The paper explores the asymptotic behavior of the $p$-Laplacian spectrum for extreme cases, specifically as $p \to 1$ and $p \to \infty$. For $p = 1$, eigenvalues converge towards isoperimetric constants, thereby offering critical insights into the geometry and connectivity of the graph. As $p \to \infty$, the paper links eigenvalues to sphere packing radii, providing geometric interpretation through packing problems.
4. Variational Spectrum: Using Lusternik–Schnirelmann theory and the Krasnoselskii genus, the paper constructs a family of variational eigenvalues, illuminating the complex behavioral dynamics of nonlinear eigenvalues and their multiplicities.
5. Novel Results: The work presents several novel results, including a refined understanding of the continuity and regularity properties of the $p$-Laplacian spectrum, and establishes firm mathematical links between eigenvalues and structural graph properties like the independence number and matching number.

Implications and Future Directions

This paper showcases significant progress in the understanding of nonlinear spectral graph theory. By improving upon both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, this research opens pathways for enhanced graph analysis methods, which may be particularly relevant for fields like network science and complex systems.

From a theoretical standpoint, the paper raises important questions regarding the precise nature of the $p$-Laplacian’s spectrum and encourages exploration into varying generalizations of the spectrum. The results concerning the regularity and multiplicity of eigenvalues suggest potential for extensive application in areas such as signal processing and data clustering—the fields already benefiting from such nonlinear considerations.

In terms of future directions, these findings suggest further investigation into the relationships between higher-order and non-standard Cheeger constants and nodal domains. They also point to the importance of exploring applications to structured networks, where the dynamics captured by nonlinear spectral analysis may provide more accurate models than linear counterparts.

In conclusion, this paper makes substantial strides in nonlinear spectral graph theory, enhancing understanding of the $p$-Laplacian and suggesting promising applications across various scientific domains. Continued research in this field will no doubt unlock further insights into the complexities of graph structures and their spectral properties.