A microscopic justification of the experimental observation of shape coexistence in ${}_{}{}^{151}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Gd}$ is given. The potential energy as a function of nuclear deformation in $\beta -\gamma$ space is calculated. The Hartree-Bogoliubov method is used with the usual pairing-plus-quadrupole schematic interaction. The location of the potential minimum is strongly dependent on which single particle state the odd neutron occupies. Three distinct nuclear shapes are predicted in agreement with the data. The stability of these shapes is tested by a dynamic calculation.

NUCLEAR STRUCTURE ${}_{}{}^{151}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Gd}$; calculated potential energy of shape; calculated shape stability.

• Received 27 October 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.19.1107