Impact of spin-orbit coupling on quantum Hall nematic phases

Anisotropic charge transport is observed in a two-dimensional (2D) hole system in a perpendicular magnetic field at filling factors $nu$=7/2, $nu$=11/2, and $nu$=13/2 at low temperature. In stark contrast, the transport at $nu$=9/2 is {it isotropic} for all temperatures. Isotropic hole transport at $nu$=7/2 is restored for sufficiently low 2D densities or an asymmetric confining potential. The density and symmetry dependences of the observed anisotropies suggest that strong spin-orbit coupling in the hole system contributes to the unusual transport behavior.