The index of a periodic graph (Q1329584)

Periodic graphs \(G\) have been introduced by \textit{L. Collatz} [Result. Math. 1, 42-53 (1979; Zbl 0402.05054)] and form a special class of infinite, but locally finite, graphs. The spectrum of \(G\) is the union of spectra of some finite graphs. With a slightly modified definition of the spectrum, the author defines an index of \(G\) (an analog to the largest eigenvalue in finite case) and develops the corresponding theory. A sharp global lower bound for the index is obtained. For the finite case, see the survey by the reviewer and \textit{P. Rowlinson} [Linear Multilinear Algebra 28, No. 1/2, 3-33 (1990; Zbl 0744.05031)].