Identification of phases in scale-free networks

Abstract

There is a pressing need for a description of complex systems that includes considerations of the underlying network of interactions, for a diverse range of biological, technological and other networks. In this work relationships between second-order phase transitions and the power laws associated with scale-free networks are directly quantified. A unique unbiased partitioning of complex networks (exemplified in this work by software architectures) into high- and low-connectivity regions can be made. Other applications to finance and aerogels are outlined.