Identification of levels in 162,164Gd and decrease in moment of inertia between N = 98–100

From prompt γ-γ-γ coincidence studies with a 252Cf source, the yrast levels were identified from 2+ to 16+ and 14+ in neutron-rich 162,164Gd, respectively. Transition energies between the same spin states are higher and moments of inertia lower at every level in N = 100 164Gd than in N = 98 162Gd. These observations are in contrast to the continuous decrease in the 2+ energy to a minimum at neutron midshell (N = 104) in Er, Yb, and Hf nuclei.