English

Tail estimates for sums of variables sampled from a random walk

Probability 2007-12-25 v4

Abstract

We prove tail estimates for variables if(Xi)\sum_i f(X_i), where (Xi)i(X_i)_i is the trajectory of a random walk on an undirected graph (or, equivalently, a reversible Markov chain). The estimates are in terms of the maximum of the function ff, its variance, and the spectrum of the graph. Our proofs are more elementary than other proofs in the literature, and our results are sharper. We obtain Bernstein and Bennett-type inequalities, as well as an inequality for subgaussian variables.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.math/0608740,
  title  = {Tail estimates for sums of variables sampled from a random walk},
  author = {Roy Wagner},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0608740},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

V4: published version; theorems 1&2 slightly revised V3: Improved Bennett inequality V2: Corrected version. Confusion concerning definition of $\beta$ resolved. Results given both in terms of sepctral gap and second largest absolute value of an eigenvalue. Sign error in statement of Theorem 4 corrected. Other minor and cosmetic corrections included as well

R2 v1 2026-07-22T17:41:37.622Z