Observation of a Superdeformed Band in 190 Pb

Abstract

A superdeformed band has been observed in the N = 108 isotope 190Pb. This is the most neutron-deficient Pb isotope in which superdeformed states have been observed. Several theoretical approaches have predicted that N = 108 will mark the limit of observable superdeformation in the Pb isotopes. The band, which consists of five (possibly six) transitions, is observed to feed at least one isomeric level in its decay to the ground state. This decay pattern supports a spin assignment of 10ℏ for the lowest observed level.