Observation of superdeformed bands in¹⁹⁴Hg

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 in^191,192Hg. The similarities and differences of the four known bands in the mercury region are discussed.