Rigid modules over preprojective algebras

Let Λ be a preprojective algebra of simply laced Dynkin type Δ. We study maximal rigid Λ-modules, their endomorphism algebras and a mutation operation on these modules. This leads to a representation-theoretic construction of the cluster algebra structure on the ring ℂ[N] of polynomial functions on a maximal unipotent subgroup N of a complex Lie group of type Δ. As an application we obtain that all cluster monomials of ℂ[N] belong to the dual semicanonical basis. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 14M99, 16D70, 16E20, 16G20, 16G70, 17B37, 20G42