$\pi g_{9/2}$ structures in odd-odd ${}^{130}\mathrm{Pr}$ and alignment processes in superdeformed praseodymium nuclei

Two strongly coupled bands with large dynamic moment of inertia values have been observed for the first time in the neutron-deficient odd-odd nucleus ${}^{130}$Pr using Gammasphere and the Microball charged-particle detector array. These bands involve the important $g_{9/2}$[404]9/2 proton orbital. This new information on ${}^{130}$Pr coupled with Projected Shell Model calculations provide valuable insight on rotational alignment processes taking place in this mass region, the size of the $N$=72 deformed shell gap, and the position of the $i_{13/2}$[660]1/2 neutron intruder orbital at the boundary of the $A$=135 superdeformed region.