Quantum theory of the smectic metal state in stripe phases

We present a theory of the electron smectic fixed point of the stripe phase s of doped layered Mott insulators. We show that in the presence of a spin gag three phases generally arise: (a) a smectic superconductor, (b) an insu lating stripe crystal, and (c) a smectic metal. The latter phase is a stabl e two-dimensional anisotropic non-Fermi liquid. In the absence of a spin ga p there is also a More conventional Fermi-liquid-like phase. The smectic su perconductor and smectic metal phases (or glassy versions thereof) may have already been seen in Nd-doped La2-xSrxCuO4.