We derive a renormalization method to calculate the spectral dimension $\overline{d}$ of deterministic self-similar networks with arbitrary base units and branching constants. The generality of the method allows the affect of a multitude of microstructural details to be quantitatively investigated. In addition to providing models for physical networks, the results allow precise tests of theories of diffusive transport. For example, the properties of a class of nonrecurrent trees $\left(\overline{d}>2\right)$ with asymmetric elements and branching violate the Alexander-Orbach scaling law.

• Received 19 October 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.82.061121