Instability of discrete point sets]{Instability of discrete point sets

Abstract

Let ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> X$ be a discrete subset of Euclidean $d$-space. We allow subsequently continuous movements of single elements, whenever the minimum distance to other elements does not decrease. We discuss the question, if it is possible to move all elements of $X$ in this way, for example after removing a finite subset $Y$ from $X$. Although it is not possible in general, we show the existence of such finite subsets $Y$ for many discrete sets $X$, including all lattices. We define the \textit{instability degree} of $X$ as the minimum cardinality of such a subset $Y$ and show that the maximum instability degree among lattices is attained by perfect lattices. Moreover, we discuss the $3$-dimensional case in detail.