In this paper, we study random walks taking values in an infinite-dimensional space — either a Hilbert space, or an infinite-dimensional manifold embedded in it, such as the Stiefel manifold. These random walks arise in problems in Shape Theory, particularly when stochastic optimization is applied. In these contexts, the random walks are defined at discrete times \(t \in \tau = \{ t_0 = 0 < t_1 < t_2 < \cdots \}\). By suitably interpolating the paths between times \(t_i\) and \(t_{i+1}\), we can view them as time-continuous random walks (for \(t \ge 0\)). A natural question arises: as the fineness of the partition \(\tau\) tends to zero, does such a family of random walks converge to a stochastic process? This paper provides some preliminary results in this direction, showing that — under appropriate conditions — weak convergence holds, in the sense of Prokhorov's theorem.

On Convergence of a family of Random Walks in the Infinite Dimensional Stiefel Manifold

Mennucci, Andrea
2026

Abstract

In this paper, we study random walks taking values in an infinite-dimensional space — either a Hilbert space, or an infinite-dimensional manifold embedded in it, such as the Stiefel manifold. These random walks arise in problems in Shape Theory, particularly when stochastic optimization is applied. In these contexts, the random walks are defined at discrete times \(t \in \tau = \{ t_0 = 0 < t_1 < t_2 < \cdots \}\). By suitably interpolating the paths between times \(t_i\) and \(t_{i+1}\), we can view them as time-continuous random walks (for \(t \ge 0\)). A natural question arises: as the fineness of the partition \(\tau\) tends to zero, does such a family of random walks converge to a stochastic process? This paper provides some preliminary results in this direction, showing that — under appropriate conditions — weak convergence holds, in the sense of Prokhorov's theorem.
2026
Settore MAT/05 - Analisi Matematica
Settore MAT/06 - Probabilita' e Statistica Matematica
Settore MATH-03/A - Analisi matematica
Settore MATH-03/B - Probabilità e statistica matematica
Brownian motion; Donsker’s theorem; Hilbert space; infinite-dimensional manifold; random walk; Riemannian manifold; Stiefel manifold; stochastic completeness; tight family; Wiener process
   Gradient Flows and Non-Smooth Geometric Structures with Applications to Optimization and Machine Learning
   202244A7YL_002
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
International Journal of Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences - 2026 - Mennucci - On Convergence of a Family of Random.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Published version
Licenza: Creative Commons
Dimensione 1.86 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.86 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11384/163743
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
  • OpenAlex 0
social impact