title: Quantum theory of the smectic metal state in stripe phases
abstract: We present a theory of the electron smectic fixed point of the stripe phases of doped layered Mott insulators. We show that in the presence of a spin gap three phases generally arise: (a) a smectic superconductor, (b) an insulating stripe crystal, and (c) a smectic metal. The latter phase is a stable two-dimensional anisotropic non-Fermi liquid. In the absence of a spin gap there is also a more conventional Fermi-liquid-like phase. The smectic superconductor and smectic metal phases (or glassy versions thereof) may have already been seen in Nd-doped La2-xSrxCuO4.
authors.affiliation: Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973-5000, USA.
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Emery
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fradkin
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kivelson
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Lubensky