Topological invariants for fractional quantum hall states

Abstract

We calculate a topological invariant, whose value would coincide with the Chern number in case of integer quantum Hall effect, for fractional quantum Hall states. In case of Abelian fractional quantum Hall states, this invariant is shown to be equal to the trace of the K-matrix. In case of non-Abelian fractional quantum Hall states, this invariant can be calculated on a case by case basis from the conformal field theory describing these states. This invariant can be used, for example, to distinguish between different fractional Hall states numerically even though, as a single number, it cannot uniquely label distinct states.