  Geometric fluctuations of the density mode in a fractional quantum Hall (FQH)
state can give rise to a nematic FQH phase, a topological state with a
spontaneously broken rotational symmetry. While experiments on FQH states in
the second Landau level have reported signatures of putative FQH nematics in
anisotropic transport, a realistic model for this state has been lacking. We
show that the standard model of particles in the lowest Landau level
interacting via the Coulomb potential realizes the FQH nematic transition,
which is reached by a progressive reduction of the strength of the
shortest-range Haldane pseudopotential. Using exact diagonalization and
variational wave functions, we demonstrate that the FQH nematic transition
occurs when the system's neutral gap closes in the long-wavelength limit while
the charge gap remains open. We confirm the symmetry-breaking nature of the
transition by demonstrating the existence of a "circular moat" potential in the
manifold of states with broken rotational symmetry, while its geometric
character is revealed through the strong fluctuations of the nematic
susceptibility and Hall viscosity.
