Degenerate superdeformed states in [sup 150]Gd

The superdeformed (SD) structure of [sup 150]Gd has been studied using the Eurogam gamma-ray spectrometer and three new SD bands have been discovered. An interaction is observed between two of the SD bands caused by the near degeneracy of two levels. This is the first observation of accidental degeneracy between SD states. The interaction strength is determined to be 11 keV and evidence for crosstalk between the bands is observed. The absolute energy difference between two SD states in the second minimum has been accurately measured and the relative spins and parities of the two bands have been fixed.