Mean-Field and Perturbation Theory of Vortex-like Composite Fermions

We develop a field theory for a partially filled Landau level based on composite fermions with a finite vortex core, whose mean-field states are exactly those described by well-tested trial wave functions. Despite non-orthogonality of free composite-fermion states and non-Hermiticity of the mean-field Hamiltonian, a consistent perturbation theory is formulated and the mean-field Fermi sea at half filling is shown to be stable. While the low-energy and long-distance physics is the same as in the Chern-Simons fermion theory, new physics is expected to show up for larger wave vectors.