Spin alignment in superdeformed Hg nuclei

Abstract

One of the superdeformed rotational bands in $^{194}\mathrm{Hg}$ has transition energies (rotational frequencies) that are equal within about 0.1% to those of the (only known) band in $^{192}\mathrm{Hg}$. This excited (two-quasiparticle) band in $^{194}\mathrm{Hg}$ has an aligned spin of (1.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)\ensuremath{\Elzxh} relative to the very similar band in $^{192}\mathrm{Hg}$, suggesting an interpretation in terms of aligned pseudo (intrinsic) spin. The implied pseudospin symmetry may be a clue as to why the rotational frequencies are so similar.