Possible existence of new K/sup π/ = 0+ low-lying excited bands in /sup 168/Er

Using the angular momentum projection approach with the l2-depressing parameter μ/sub p/ in the Nilsson model reduced by 15%, the band heads of the 02+, 03+, and 04+ bands in /sup 168/Er are calculated to lie at 1221, 1426, and 1823 keV, respectively, in good agreement with recent experimental data. An additional low-lying 0+ band with a band head at 1966 keV is also predicted. A general criterion for the existence of a low-lying 0+ excited band is described and invoked to substantiate the calculated results