Using, for the first time, configuration-constrained potential-energy-surface calculations with the inclusion of ${\beta }_6$ deformation, we find remarkable effects of the high-order deformation on the high-$K$ isomers in ${}^{254}\mathrm{No}$, the focus of recent spectroscopy experiments on superheavy nuclei. For shapes with multipolarity six, the isomers are more tightly bound and, microscopically, have enhanced deformed shell gaps at $N=152$ and $Z=100$. The inclusion of ${\beta }_6$ deformation significantly improves the description of the very heavy high-$K$ isomers.

• Received 4 November 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.83.011303