Orthogonality and minimality in the homology of locally finite graphs (Q743646)

Summary: Given a finite set \(E\), a subset \(D\subseteq E\) (viewed as a function \(E\to \mathbb F_2\)) is orthogonal to a given subspace \(\mathcal F\) of the \(\mathbb F_2\)-vector space of functions \(E\to \mathbb F_2\) as soon as \(D\) is orthogonal to every \(\subseteq\)-minimal element of \(\mathcal F\). This fails in general when \(E\) is infinite.{ }However, we prove the above statement for the six subspaces \(\mathcal F\) of the edge space of any \(3\)-connected locally finite graph that are relevant to its homology: the topological, algebraic, and finite cycle and cut spaces. This solves a problem of \textit{R. Diestel} [Discrete Math. 311, No. 15, 1423--1447 (2011; Zbl 1223.05198)].