New data on $0^+$ states in $^{158}$Gd

TL;DR

This study reports the discovery of 30 new excited 0+ states in the deformed nucleus $^{158}$Gd using (p,t) reactions, providing valuable data to test nuclear models and understand nuclear structure.

Contribution

The paper presents the identification of 30 new excited 0+ states in $^{158}$Gd, nearly completing the level scheme for this nucleus, which is a significant advancement in nuclear structure research.

Findings

34 excited 0+ states identified in $^{158}$Gd

Nearly complete level scheme achieved for this nucleus

Provides new data for testing nuclear models

Abstract

Excited states in the deformed nucleus $^{158}$Gd have been studied in the (p,t) reaction by using the Munich Tandem and Q3D spectrograph. 30 new excited 0$^+$ states (three tentative) have been assigned up to the 4.3 MeV excitation energy. The total number of 34 excited 0$^+$ states (four tentatively assigned) in a deformed nucleus, close to a complete level scheme, offers a new opportunity to test nuclear models and obtain more information on the structure of these special states.