Complex shape effects in nuclear rotational spectra

We study the evolution of collectivity in the structure of nuclear rotational bands based on complex quadrupole-octupole shapes. We apply an extended version of a quadrupole-octupole rotation model capable of reproducing both the low-lying states of alternating parity bands interpreted on the basis of octupole vibrations and the higher spin states considered as members of a single octupole rotational band. In such a way, the complicated odd-even staggering effects observed in light actinide nuclei are described successfully. The implemented model analysis suggests a unified mechanism in which the octupole band structure is formed as the result of the transition from an octupole vibration (soft) mode to a rotation of a shape with a stable quadrupole-octupole deformation.