Precise level lifetimes have been measured for various superdeformed bands in ${}^{148,149}\mathrm{Gd}$ and ${}^{152}\mathrm{Dy}$ with the Doppler-shift attenuation method. From the derived quadrupole moments, $Q_0$, we find large differences in deformation between the yrast bands and some excited bands in the gadolinium isotopes. Moreover, two of the excited Gd bands and the ${}^{152}\mathrm{Dy}$ yrast band, which have identical moments of inertia, have different elongations, supporting the picture that alignment and deformation effects cancel in identical bands.

• Received 7 November 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.4480