A spectral assignment approach for the graph isomorphism problem

Abstract

In this paper, we propose algorithms for the graph isomorphism (GI) problem that are based on the eigendecompositions of the adjacency matrices. The eigenvalues of isomorphic graphs are identical. However, two graphs GA and GB can be isospectral but non-isomorphic. We first construct a GI testing algorithm for friendly graphs and then extend it to unambiguous graphs. We show that isomorphisms can be detected by solving a linear assignment problem (LAP). If the graphs possess repeated eigenvalues, which typically correspond to graph symmetries, finding isomorphisms is much harder. By repeatedly perturbing the adjacency matrices and by using properties of eigenpolytopes, it is possible to break symmetries of the graphs and iteratively assign vertices of GA to vertices of GB, provided that an admissible assignment exists. This heuristic approach can be used to construct a permutation which transforms GA into GB if the graphs are isomorphic. The methods will be illustrated with several guiding examples.