Theoretical constraints for observation of superdeformed bands in the mass-60 region

The lightest superdeformed nuclei of the mass-60 region are described using the projected shell model. In contrast to the heaviest superdeformed nucle i where a coherent motion of nucleons often dominates the physics, it is fo und that alignment of g(9/2) proton and neutron pairs determines the, high spin behavior for superdeformed rotational bands in this mass region. It is predicted that, due to the systematics of shell fillings along the even-ev en Zn isotopic chain, observation of a regular superdeformed yrast band seq uence will be unlikely for certain nuclei in this mass region.