Optimal eigenvalues on a metric graph with densities

Abstract

We introduce and study Laplacians on a finite metric graph endowed with generalized densities, that is, measures of finite mass. One important motivation is that this setting provides a common framework for several interesting classes of operators: discrete graph Laplacians, Kirchhoff Laplacians and Dirichlet-to-Neumann operators on graphs. Our main interest lies in spectral optimization with respect to the underlying measure. In contrast to the setting of domains and manifolds, we prove that a minimal $k$-th eigenvalue exists, whereas the corresponding maximization problem has no meaning. We then establish connections between these optimal eigenvalues and the geometry of the metric graph, including a transparent geometric characterization of the first optimal eigenvalue via the resistance metric, and a Weyl law for the higher optimal eigenvalues.