Reflection-Asymmetric Shapes in Nuclei

In the last few years, theoretical calculations and experimental results have established that nuclei in the mass 224 and Z = 56, N = 88 regions possess reflection-asymmetric (octupole) shapes. In both regions it is found that even-even nuclei are reflection symmetric in their ground states. However, these nuclei develop octupole deformation with rotation. Recently we have studied such phenomena in neutron-rich Ba and Ce nuclei produced in spontaneous fission. Detailed properties of these nuclei will be discussed.