The valuation pairing on an upper cluster algebra

Abstract: It is known that many (upper) cluster algebras are not unique factorization domains. We exhibit the local factorization properties with respect to any given seed $t$: any non-zero element in a full rank upper cluster algebra can be uniquely written as the product of a cluster monomial in $t$ and another element not divisible by the cluster variables in $t$. Our approach is based on introducing the valuation pairing on an upper cluster algebra: it counts the maximal multiplicity of a cluster variable among the factorizations of any given element. We apply the valuation pairing to obtain many results concerning factoriality, $d$-vectors, $F$-polynomials and the combinatorics of cluster Poisson variables. In particular, we obtain that full rank and primitive upper cluster algebras are factorial; an explanation of $d$-vectors using valuation pairing; a cluster monomial in non-initial cluster variables is determined by its $F$-polynomial; the $F$-polynomials of non-initial cluster variables are irreducible; and the cluster Poisson variables parametrize the exchange pairs of the corresponding upper cluster algebra.