Using γ-ray spectroscopy methods, excited states up to spin ${14}^{+}$ have been identified in the neutron-deficient nucleus ${}_{{}_{62}{}^{136}{}_{}{}^{}}{}^{}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Sm}_{74}^{}{}_{}{}^{}$. Mean lifetime measurements give β=0.30 showing that the N=74=82-8 neutron number marks the limit of strong nuclear deformation, similarly to the symmetric N=90=82+8.

• Received 8 January 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.38.537