Macroscopic-microscopic energy of rotating nuclei in the fusion-like deformation valley

The energy of rotating nuclei in the fusion-like deformation valley has bee n determined within a liquid drop model including the proximity energy the two-center shell model and the Strutinsky method. The potential barriers of the Zr-84, Ce-132, Dy-152 and Hg-192 nuclei have been determined. A first minimum having a microscopic origin and lodging the normally deformed state s disappears with increasing angular momenta. The microscopic and macroscop ic energies contribute to generate a second minimum where superdeformed sta tes may survive. It becomes progressively the lowest one at intermediate sp ins. At higher angular momenta, the minimum moves towards the foot of the e xternal fission barrier leading to hyperdeformed quasi-molecular states.