Generalized Pseudo-SU(3) Model and Pairing

The pseudo-SU(3) model is extended to explicitly include the spin and proton-neutron degrees of freedom. A general formalism for evaluating matrix elements of one-body and two-body tensor operators within this framework is presented. The pairing interaction, which couples different irreducible representations of SU(3), is expressed in terms of pseudo-space tensors and a general result is given for calculating its matrix elements. The importance of pairing correlations in pseudo-SU(3) model calculations is demonstrated by examining the dependence of wavefunctions, low- energy collective excitation spectra, and moments of inertia on the strength of the pairing interaction.