Comparison of neutron resonance spacings with microscopic theory for nuclei with static deformation

A level density formula including low-energy rotational levels for nuclei with axially symmetric deformation is tested with neutron resonance data for lanthanide and actinide nuclides. The calculations with the microscopic theory including nuclear pairing utilize deformed single particle levels of Nilsson et al. The experimental data for the actinide nuclei and the lanthanide nuclei are consistent with a theory which includes collective rotational levels. The derivation and applicability of a level density formula which includes collective rotational levels are discussed