Towards a field theory of the plateau transitions in the integer quantum Hall effect

We suggest a procedure for calculating correlation functions of the local densities of states (DOS) at the plateau transitions in the integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE). We argue that their correlation functions are appropriately described in terms of the SL(2, C)/SU(2) WZNW model (at the usual Kac-Moody point and with the level 6 less than or equal to k less than or equal to 8), In this model we have identified the operators corresponding to the local DOS, and derived the partial differential equation determining their correlation functions. The OPEs for powers of the local DOS obtained from this equation are in agreement with available results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.