New insights into superdeformed nuclei in the A ∼ 190 region

Extensive investigations of superdeformed (SD) states in 192Hg, 194-195Tl and 194Pb have recently been performed with EUROGAM. SD bands have been extended to high and lower rotational frequencies. Lifetime measurements (in 192Hg) and accurate J(2) determinations confirm the stability of the SD well and the importance of pairing correlations in this mass region. From M1 strength measurements, it is found that two SD bands in 195Tl are built on the odd proton in the [642]5/2 + orbital and that four from the six SD bands in 194Tl correspond to a configuration where the intrinsic spin of the single proton and single neutron are aligned. The mechanism of the decay out of the SD well, studied for 192Hg and 194Pb, is better understood. (authors). 32 refs., 7 figs