Gaussian Random Embeddings of Multigraphs

Abstract: This paper generalizes the Gaussian random walk and Gaussian random polygon models for linear and ring polymers to polymer topologies specified by an arbitrary multigraph $G$. Probability distributions of monomer positions and edge displacements are given explicitly and the spectrum of the graph Laplacian of $G$ is shown to predict the geometry of the configurations. This provides a new perspective on the James-Guth-Flory theory of phantom elastic networks. The model is based on linear algebra motivated by ideas from homology and cohomology theory. It provides a robust theoretical foundation for more detailed models of topological polymers.