Orthogonal embeddings of graphs in Euclidean space

Abstract

Let G = (V, E) be a simple connected graph. An injective function f : V → Rⁿ is called an n-dimensional (or n-D) orthogonal labeling of G if uv, uw ∈ E implies that (f(v) − f(u)) ⋅ (f(w) − f(u)) = 0, where  ⋅  is the usual dot product in Euclidean space. If such an orthogonal labeling f of G exists, then G is said to be embedded in Rⁿ orthogonally. Let the orthogonal rank or(G) of G be the minimum value of n, where G admits an n-D orthogonal labeling (otherwise, we define or(G) = ∞). In this paper, we establish some general results for orthogonal embeddings of graphs. We also determine the orthogonal ranks for cycles, complete bipartite graphs, one-point union of two graphs, Cartesian product of orthogonal graphs, bicyclic graphs without pendant, and tessellation graphs.