Search for superdeformed shapes in /sup 144/Gd

Two-dimensional ..gamma..-..gamma.. transition energy correlation measurements were made in /sup 144/Gd using Compton-suppressed Ge detectors in the spin spectrometer. A ridge-valley structure was observed and shown to originate from discrete, fast transitions. The deduced moment of inertia is less than that of the superdeformed collective bands that have been predicted by Strutinsky cranking calculations.