The curious spectra and dynamics of non-locally finite crystals

Abstract: This paper is devoted to the investigation of the spectral theory and dynamical properties of periodic graphs which are not locally finite but carry non-negative, symmetric and summable edge weights. These graphs are shown to exhibit rather intriguing behaviour: for example, we construct a periodic graph whose Laplacian has purely singular continuous spectrum. Regarding point spectrum, and different to the locally finite case, we construct a graph with a partly flat band whose eigenvectors must have infinite support. Concerning dynamical aspects, under some assumptions we prove that motion remains ballistic along at least one layer. We also construct a graph whose Laplacian has purely absolutely continuous spectrum, exhibits ballistic transport, yet fails to satisfy a dispersive estimate. This provides a negative answer to an open question in this context. Furthermore, we include a discussion of the fractional Laplacian for which we prove a phase transition in its dynamical behaviour. Generally speaking, many questions still remain open, and we believe that the studied class of graphs can serve as a playground to better understand exotic spectra and dynamics.