Quantum theory of quantum Hall smectics

We propose a quantum stripe (smectic) coupled-Luttinger-liquid model for th e anisotropic states which occur in two-dimensional electron systems with h igh-index partial Landau-level filling, nu*=nu-[nu]. Perturbative renormali zation-group calculations establish that interaction terms neglected in thi s model are relevant -probably driving the system into an anisotropic Wigne r crystal-but for 0.4 less than or similar to nu*less than or similar to 0. 6 only below temperatures which are outside of the experimentally accessibl e range. We argue that the Hall conductance of the ground state flows towar d [nu]e(2)/h and ([nu]+1)e(2)/h, respectively, on the low- and high-filling -factor sides of this range, consistent with recent observations. A semicla ssical theory of smectic state transport properties, which incorporates Lut tinger-liquid effects in the evaluation of scattering amplitudes, accounts for the magnitude of the dissipative resistivities at nu*=1/2, for their nu * dependence, and for the observation of nonlinearities of opposite sign in easy and hard direction resistivities.