We consider the following natural "above guarantee" parameterization of the
classical Longest Path problem: For given vertices s and t of a graph G, and an
integer k, the problem Longest Detour asks for an (s,t)-path in G that is at
least k longer than a shortest (s,t)-path. Using insights into structural graph
theory, we prove that Longest Detour is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) on
undirected graphs and actually even admits a single-exponential algorithm, that
is, one of running time exp(O(k)) poly(n). This matches (up to the base of the
exponential) the best algorithms for finding a path of length at least k.
Furthermore, we study the related problem Exact Detour that asks whether a
graph G contains an (s,t)-path that is exactly k longer than a shortest
(s,t)-path. For this problem, we obtain a randomized algorithm with running
time about 2.746^k, and a deterministic algorithm with running time about
6.745^k, showing that this problem is FPT as well. Our algorithms for Exact
Detour apply to both undirected and directed graphs.Comment: Extended abstract appears at ICALP 201
