Abstract
Levels in the neutron deficient
142Gd and
142,144Dy nuclei have been identified using multiple particle-gamma coincidence techniques. The isotopes were produced in the
54,56Fe +
92Mo and
52Cr +
96Ru reactions at 20–30 MeV above the Coulomb barrier. The new data are discussed in the context of the systematic trend toward deformation in light rare-earth nuclei and the disappearance of the
Z = 64 subshell gap.