It is shown that the ΔI=2 staggering effect recently discovered in superdeformed rotational bands could be explained by a phenomenological theory of ${\mathit{C}}_{4\mathit{v}}$ bifurcation. In this scenario, the energy staggering is associated with the alignment of the total nuclear angular momentum along the axis perpendicular to the long deformation axis of the prolate nucleus.

• Received 2 September 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.51.R460