First measurement of magnetic properties in a superdeformed nucleus:Hg193

Dipole transitions linking signature partner superdeformed bands in 193Hg have been observed. Measurements of the photon decay branching ratios, taken together with the average superdeformed quadrupole moment measured in neighboring nuclei, enable the absolute M1 strengths to be determined. From these data, using the strong coupling model, we find (gK-gR)K/Q0=-0.14±0.01 (e b)−1, gK=-0.65±0.14 with Ω=2.8±0.8. These data are consistent with the superdeformed neutron orbital being [512]5/2− as predicted by cranked Woods-Saxon calculations.