Phase transition in cohomology groups of non-uniform random simplicial complexes (Q2161217)

Summary: We consider a generalised model of a random simplicial complex, which arises from a random hypergraph. Our model is generated by taking the downward-closure of a non-uniform binomial random hypergraph, in which for each \(k\), each set of \(k+1\) vertices forms an edge with some probability \(p_k\) independently. As a special case, this contains an extensively studied model of a (uniform) random simplicial complex, introduced by \textit{R. Meshulam} and \textit{N. Wallach} [Random Struct. Algorithms 34, No. 3, 408--417 (2009; Zbl 1177.55011)]. We consider a higher-dimensional notion of connectedness on this new model according to the vanishing of cohomology groups over an arbitrary abelian group \(R\). We prove that this notion of connectedness displays a phase transition and determine the threshold. We also prove a hitting time result for a natural process interpretation, in which simplices and their downward-closure are added one by one. In addition, we determine the asymptotic behaviour of cohomology groups inside the critical window around the time of the phase transition.