The inverse eigenvalue problem for probe graphs

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Curl, Emelie, Kritschgau, Jürgen, Reinhart, Carolyn, van der Holst, Hein
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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_version_ 1866909123190194176
author Curl, Emelie
Kritschgau, Jürgen
Reinhart, Carolyn
van der Holst, Hein
author_facet Curl, Emelie
Kritschgau, Jürgen
Reinhart, Carolyn
van der Holst, Hein
contents In this paper, we initiate the study of the inverse eigenvalue problem for probe graphs. A probe graph is a graph whose vertices are partitioned into probe vertices and non-probe vertices such that the non-probe vertices form an independent set. In general, a probe graph is used to represent the set of graphs that can be obtained by adding edges between non-probe vertices. The inverse eigenvalue problem for a graph considers a family of matrices whose zero-nonzero pattern is defined by the graph and asks which spectra are achievable by matrices in this family. We ask the same question for probe graphs. We start by establishing bounds on the maximum nullity for probe graphs and defining the probe graph zero forcing number. Next, we focus on graphs of two parallel paths, the unique family of graphs whose (standard) zero forcing number is two. We partially characterize the probe graph zero forcing number of such graphs and prove some necessary structural results about the family. Finally, we characterize probe graphs whose minimum rank is $0, 1, 2, n-2,$ and $n-1$.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2402_18670
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle The inverse eigenvalue problem for probe graphs
Curl, Emelie
Kritschgau, Jürgen
Reinhart, Carolyn
van der Holst, Hein
Combinatorics
05C50, 05C69
In this paper, we initiate the study of the inverse eigenvalue problem for probe graphs. A probe graph is a graph whose vertices are partitioned into probe vertices and non-probe vertices such that the non-probe vertices form an independent set. In general, a probe graph is used to represent the set of graphs that can be obtained by adding edges between non-probe vertices. The inverse eigenvalue problem for a graph considers a family of matrices whose zero-nonzero pattern is defined by the graph and asks which spectra are achievable by matrices in this family. We ask the same question for probe graphs. We start by establishing bounds on the maximum nullity for probe graphs and defining the probe graph zero forcing number. Next, we focus on graphs of two parallel paths, the unique family of graphs whose (standard) zero forcing number is two. We partially characterize the probe graph zero forcing number of such graphs and prove some necessary structural results about the family. Finally, we characterize probe graphs whose minimum rank is $0, 1, 2, n-2,$ and $n-1$.
title The inverse eigenvalue problem for probe graphs
topic Combinatorics
05C50, 05C69
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.18670