Low energy 0+ excitations in 158Gd

TL;DR

This study investigates the dense spectrum of low-energy 0+ states in 158Gd using high-precision (p,t) reactions, revealing challenges for nuclear models to accurately predict these excitations.

Contribution

The paper provides detailed experimental data on 13 excited 0+ states in 158Gd and evaluates the pseudo SU(3) model's effectiveness in describing these states.

Findings

High density of low-energy 0+ states observed

Pseudo SU(3) model reproduces most states but has limitations

Measured B(E2) transition strengths challenge existing models

Abstract

High precision (p,t) studies of the deformed nucleus 158Gd allowed the observation of 13 excited 0+ states below an excitation energy of 3.1 MeV. This high density of low energy states, and particularly their measured B(E2) transition strengths to the first excited 2+ state challenge nuclear models. The pseudo SU(3) model, which successfully describes many excited bands in Dy isotopes, is used to analyze this nuclei. We have fairly good reproduction of most of the states but the absence of actively including nucleons occupying intruders orbits may be the reason for the observed limitations of the model.