Application of random matrix theory to complex networks

Abstract

The present article provides an overview of recent developments in spectral analysis of complex networks under random matrix theory framework. Adjacency matrix of unweighted networks, reviewed here, differ drastically from a random matrix, as former have only binary entries. Remarkably, short range correlations in corresponding eigenvalues of such matrices exhibit Gaussian orthogonal statistics of RMT and thus bring them into the universality class. Spectral rigidity of spectra provides measure of randomness in underlying networks. We will consider several examples of model networks vastly studied in last two decades. To the end we would provide potential of RMT framework and obtained results to understand and predict behavior of complex systems with underlying network structure. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.