Composite Edge States in the $ν=2/3$ Fractional Quantum Hall Regime

A generalized $\nu=2/3$ state, which unifies the edge-state pictures of MacDonald and of Beenakker is presented and studied in detail. Using an exact relation between correlation functions of this state and those of the Laughlin $\nu=1/3$ wave function, the correlation functions of the $\nu=2/3$ state are determined via a classical Monte Carlo calculation, for systems up to $50$ electrons. It is found that as a function of the slope of the confining potential there is a sharp transition of the ground state from one description to the other. The experimental implications are discussed.