Cluster Algebras, Invariant Theory, and Kronecker Coefficients I

Abstract

We relate the $m$-truncated Kronecker products of symmetric functions to the semi-invariant rings of a family of quiver representations. We find cluster algebra structures for these semi-invariant rings when $m=2$. Each {\sf g}-vector cone ${\sf G}_{\Diamond_l}$ of these cluster algebras controls the $2$-truncated Kronecker products for all symmetric functions of degree no greater than $l$. As a consequence, each relevant Kronecker coefficient is the difference of the number of the lattice points inside two rational polytopes. We also give explicit description of all ${\sf G}_{\Diamond_l}$'s. As an application, we compute some invariant rings.