I Graph Representation Learning: Question about eigenvector of Laplacian

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the intuitive meaning of eigenvectors of the graph Laplacian matrix, defined as L = D - A, where D is the degree matrix and A is the adjacency matrix. Eigenvectors of the Laplacian are associated with the graph's connectivity and can indicate clusters or communities within the graph. They also reflect how the graph can be partitioned, with smaller eigenvalues suggesting more tightly connected components. The conversation encourages further exploration of related topics, such as the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix, which describe closed walks on the graph. Overall, understanding these concepts is crucial for applying deep learning techniques to graph networks.
Master1022
Messages
590
Reaction score
116
TL;DR
What does the eigenvector of the laplacian matrix actually represent?
Hi,

I was reading the following book about applying deep learning to graph networks: link. In chapter 2 (page 22), they introduce the graph Laplacian matrix ##L##:
L = D - A
where ##D## is the degree matrix (it is diagonal) and ##A## is the adjacency matrix.

Question:
What does an eigenvector of a Laplacian graph actually represent on an intuitive level?

Also, I apologize if this is the wrong forum - should I have posted elsewhere?

Thanks in advance.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
If you haven't found the answer to your question, please see this thread. It talks about the fact that the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix describe closed walks on the graph, and much more.

You can find other results, searching, for instance, for "graph Laplacian matrix eigenvalues " on SearchOnMath.