The Lovasz gap, i.e. theta-alpha, can be arbitrary large.
Prf:
Let G be a cycle with N vertices.
Fuse a pentagon on each of the vertices of G.
Then theta(G)-alpha(G)=N(sqrt(5)-2), which can be arbitrary large as N->infinity.
Prf:
Let G be a cycle with N vertices.
Fuse a pentagon on each of the vertices of G.
Then theta(G)-alpha(G)=N(sqrt(5)-2), which can be arbitrary large as N->infinity.