Extensive Test of an SU(3)-based Partial Dynamical Symmetry

The concept of symmetries pervades much of our understanding of nature. In nuclear structure, the IBA embodies a framework with three dynamical symmetries U(5), O(6) and SU(3). Of course, most nuclei break these symmetries. Leviatan has discussed a concept of Partial Dynamical Symmetry (PDS) in which the states of the ground and gamma bands, only, are exactly described by SU(3) while all others are not. With an E2 operator which is not a generator of SU(3), this PDS gives a parameter-free description of gamma to ground band relative B(E2) values in Er-168 that is virtually identical to the best collective model (IBA) calculations with 2-3 parameters. We have carried out the first extensive study of this PDS, in 47 rare earth nuclei. Overall, the PDS works very well, and the deviations from the data are usually understandable in terms of specific kinds of mixing.