Superdeformation in the N = Z nucleus Ar-36: Experimental, deformed mean field, and spherical shell model descriptions

A superdeformed rotational band has been identified in Ar-36, linked to kno wn low-spin states, and observed to its high-spin termination at I-pi = 16( +). Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky and spherical shell model calculations assig n the band to a configuration in which four pf-shell orbitals are occupied, leading to a low-spin deformation beta(2) approximate to 0.45. Two major s hells are active for both protons and neutrons, yet the valence space remai ns small enough to be confronted with the shell model. This band thus provi des an ideal case to study the microscopic structure of collective rotation al motion.