Nilpotent groups whose difference graphs have positive genus (Q7001268)

The paper investigates difference graphs derived from the enhanced power graph (EPG) and power graph (PG) of finite nilpotent groups, specifically focusing on their topological properties -- namely, the genus and cross-cap (non-orientable genus) of these graphs.\N\NThe study intersects group theory with an emphasis on nilpotent groups, graph theory (especially graphs associated with group structures) and topological graph theory (exploring graph embeddings into surfaces like the torus and projective plane).\N\NThe major contributions of the paper include a complete classification of all finite nilpotent non-\( p \)-groups whose difference graphs \( D(G) \) have genus or cross-cap \( \leq 2 \), the provision of constructions and embeddings (including figures) for various cases, the introduction of special group constructions under particular conditions, the demonstration that difference graphs possess a richer structure and can behave significantly differently from power or enhanced power graphs, highlighting their topological complexity and the application of classical results from group theory (e.g., Sylow theorems, group exponent properties) and topological graph theory (e.g., genus formulas for complete graphs) to gain deep structural insights.\N\N\NThe paper enhances understanding of the interplay between algebraic and topological properties of groups and their associated graphs, reveals that graph genus is a sensitive invariant capable of distinguishing subtle group-theoretic properties and shows how the structure of cyclic subgroups, group exponents and Sylow decomposition impact graph embeddings.\N\NThe classification presented in the paper may aid in circuit design and analysis, where planar or toroidal graphs are of interest.\NIt lays the foundational groundwork for non-planar embeddings in algebraic graph constructions, relevant in topological data analysis and computational group theory.\N\NThe paper proposes potential extensions such as exploring difference graphs of non-nilpotent or infinite groups, studying difference graphs with higher genus or more complex topological surfaces and investigating similar topological characterizations for other graph constructions (e.g., commuting graphs, prime graphs).\N\NThis paper presents a strong and original contribution to algebraic and topological graph theory. It is mathematically rigorous, well-structured, and opens up numerous promising research directions. It is especially highly useful for those studying group-based graph structures, topological embeddings, and group classification via graphical invariants.