Generalizations of interval and proper interval graphs for simplicial complexes

Abstract

We introduce and investigate generalizations of interval and proper interval graphs to simplicial complexes, including strong interval, unit interval, and under closed variants. Through equivalent combinatorial and algebraic characterizations, we uncover hierarchies among these classes and extend key results to higher dimensions, such as the equivalence of closed and proper interval graphs. These formulations enable significant applications, including finding conditions for the sortability of d-independence complexes, constructions of normal Cohen-Macaulay domains linked to d-unit interval graphs, and forbidden subgraph theorems establishing chordality and d-claw-freeness. Our work advances the connections between graph theory, simplicial complexes, and commutative algebra, offering new insights into the algebraic underpinnings of combinatorial structures.