Approximate particle number projection with density dependent forces: superdeformed bands in the A=150 and A=190 regions

We derive the equations for approximate particle number projection based on mean field wave functions with finite range density dependent forces. As a n application ground bands of even-A superdeformed nuclei in the A = 150 an d A = 190 regions are calculated with the Gogny force. We discuss nuclear p roperties such as quadrupole moments, moments of inertia and quasiparticle spectra, among others, as a function of the angular momentum. We obtain a g ood overall description. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .