OBSERVATION OF SUPERDEFORMED BANDS IN HG-194

Two rotational bands, with energy spacings characteristic of superdeformed shapes, have been observed following bombardment of150Nd with48Ca. The more intensively populated band consists of 18 transitions and is assigned to194Hg. The depopulation of this band occurs around spin 10. The second band, consisting of at least 16 transitions, was populated less strongly and is tentatively assigned to194Hg also. The lowest level in this band is assigned spin 8. The energy differences between transitions for both bands decrease from ∼40 keV at low rotational frequencies to ∼30 keV at the highest observed frequencies. The moments of inertia of the bands are similar to those of the two previously observed superdeformed bands in191,192Hg. The similarities and differences of the four known bands in the mercury region are discussed. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.