An automated search algorithm for superdeformed bands

An algorithm is presented which searches γ-ray coincidences of arbitrarily high fold for the regular sequences of transitions which characterize the decay of superdeformed rotational bands. The algorithm was used to analyze data gathered by the EUROGAM multi-detector array. It successfully located all but one of the known superdeformed bands in 149Gd found by conventional methods and, in addition, found at least one new band as well.