Effective vector-field theory and long-wavelength universality of the fractional quantum Hall effect

We report on an effective vector-field theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect that takes into account projection to Landau levels. The effective theory refers to neither the composite-boson nor composite-fermion picture, but properly reproduces the results consistent with them. thus revealing the universality of the long-wavelength characteristics of the quantum Hall states. In particular. the dual-field Lagrangian of Lee and Zhang is obtained. and an argument is given to verify the identification by Goldhaber and Jain of a composite fermion as a dressed electron. The generalization to double-layer systems is also remarked. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.