Embedding Half-Edge Graphs in Punctured Surfaces

Abstract

It is known that graphs cellularly embedded into surfaces are equivalent to ribbon graphs. In this work, we generalize this statement to broader classes of graphs and surfaces. Half-edge graphs extend abstract graphs and are useful in quantum field theory in physics. On the other hand, ribbon graphs with half-edges generalize ribbon graphs and appear in a different type of field theory emanating from matrix models. We then give a sense of embeddings of half-edge graphs in punctured surfaces and determine (minimal/maximal) conditions for an equivalence between these embeddings and half-edge ribbon graphs. Given some assumptions on the embedding, the geometric dual of a cellularly embedded half-edge graph is also identified.