Superdeformed band in Sm142

Observation of γ-γ coincidences from the reaction Sn124(24Mg,xn) at 145 MeV has revealed a discrete superdeformed rotational band and evidence of a superdeformed continuum in Sm142. This result is consistent with cranked shell model calculations indicating shell gaps favorable to superdeformed structures in N=80, Z∼64 nuclei. It is proposed that the Sm142 band may be described by a proton hole in an Eu143 core. The dynamic moment of inertia of the superdeformed band is more constant than predicted by the model. This may be due to a strong residual interaction between a 61 proton intruder and aligning N=6 valence neutrons.