Description of superdeformed bands by the quantum algebraSUq(2)

Spectra of superdeformed bands in even-even nuclei, as well as rotational bands with normal deformation, are described very accurately within the framework of the quantum algebra SU q (2). Stretching effects are taken into account by allowing the algebra to slightly deviate from the normal SU(2) form. It is proven that this deviation is equivalent to the usual expansion of the energy in terms of powers of j ( j + 1), summed up to all orders.