Linear embeddings of low-dimensional subsets of a Hilbert space to Rm

We consider the problem of embedding a low-dimensional set, M, from an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space, H, to a finite-dimensional space. Defining appropriate random linear projections, we propose two constructions of linear maps that have the restricted isometry property (RIP) on the secant set of M with high probability. The first one is optimal in the sense that it only needs a number of projections essentially proportional to the intrinsic dimension of M to satisfy the RIP. The second one, which is based on a variable density sampling technique, is computationally more efficient, while potentially requiring more measurements.