In heavy deformed even-even nuclei the orbital M1 strength below 4 MeV excitation, the so-called ‘‘scissors mode,’’ shows a striking correlation with the E2 strength to the first excited $2^{+}$ states. A saturation effect, common to both E2 and M1 transitions, is observed before midshell. The correlation and the saturation effect are discussed.

• Received 21 August 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.43.R949