SHELL-MODEL MONTE-CARLO STUDIES OF GAMMA-SOFT NUCLEI

We present shell model Monte Carlo calculations for nuclei in the full major shell 50-82 for both protons and neutrons. For the interaction we use a pairing plus quadrupole derived from a surface-peaked separab le force. The methods are illustrated for Sn-124, Te-128, and Xe-124. We calculate shape distributions, moments of inertia, and pairing corr elations as functions of temperature and angular velocity. Our calcula tions are the first microscopic evidence of gamma-softness of nuclei i n this region.