πg9/2structures in odd-odd130Prand alignment processes in superdeformed praseodymium nuclei

Abstract

Two strongly coupled bands with large dynamic moment of inertia values have been observed for the first time in the neutron-deficient odd-odd nucleus ${}^{130}$Pr using Gammasphere and the Microball charged-particle detector array. These bands involve the important ${g}_{9/2}$[404]9/2 proton orbital. This new information on ${}^{130}$Pr coupled with Projected Shell Model calculations provide valuable insight on rotational alignment processes taking place in this mass region, the size of the $N$=72 deformed shell gap, and the position of the ${i}_{13/2}$[660]1/2 neutron intruder orbital at the boundary of the $A$=135 superdeformed region.