On $2$-integral Cayley graphs

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the concept of $k$-integral graphs. A graph $\Gamma$ is called $k$-integral if the extension degree of the splitting field of the characteristic polynomial of $\Gamma$ over rational field $\mathbb Q$ is equal to $k$. We prove that the set of all finite connected graphs with given algebraic degree and maximum degree is finite. $1$-integral graphs are just integral ones, graphs all of whose eigenvalues are integer. We study $2$-integral Cayley graphs over finite groups $G$ with respect to Cayley sets which are a union of conjugacy classes of $G$. Among other general results, we completely characterize all finite abelian groups having a connected $2$-integral Cayley graph with valency $2,3,4$ and $5$. Furthermore, we classify finite groups $G$ for which all Cayley graphs over $G$ with bounded valency are $2$-integral.