Multiple octupole excitations in 148Gd

The lifetime andthe γ-decay to the 0+ groundstate of the lowest 3− state in 148Gd has been determined. The reduced strength B(E3, 3− → 0+)=41 (6) W.u. agrees well with the theoretical value from empirical shell model calculations and can be directly compared with the 12+ → 9− two-octupole-phonon → one-octupole-phonon strength obtained in the same Recoil Distance Method lifetime measurement. The results of our search for a three octupole-phonon state built on the (νf7/2)6+2 state is also reported.