  The low-energy spectra and B(E2) electromagnetic transition strengths of
159Eu, 159Tb and 159Dy are described using the pseudo SU(3) model. Normal
parity bands are built as linear combinations of SU(3) states, which are the
direct product of SU(3) proton and neutron states with pseudo spin zero (for
even number of nucleons) and pseudo spin 1/2 (for odd number of nucleons). Each
of the many-particle states have a well-defined particle number and total
angular momentum. The Hamiltonian includes spherical Nilsson single-particle
energies, the quadrupole-quadrupole and pairing interactions, as well as three
rotor terms which are diagonal in the SU(3) basis. The pseudo SU(3) model is
shown to be a powerful tool to describe odd-mass heavy deformed nuclei.

Nuclear Theory