The forbidden structure for zero forcing number

Abstract

The {\it zero forcing number} of a graph $G$, $Z(G)$, is a well-studied parameter which arises from a color changing process and has strong connections to {\it minimum rank}, {\it critical ideals} and related invariants. In this work, we consider the complementary parameter $\mz(G) = |V(G)| - Z(G)$. This parameter is monotone under taking induced subgraphs. This leads us to the study of graphs for which $\mz(G)$ is bounded, via forbidden induced subgraphs. We prove that the number of minimal forbidden graphs for graphs with $\mz(G)\leq k$ is finite for any $k\geq 1$. We determine the complete set of minimal forbidden graphs for the case $k = 3$, and we provide partial characterizations of graphs with $\mz(G) \leq 3$, based on girth. Our results suggest new directions for the structural understanding of zero forcing-type parameters.