γ−γangular correlations of transitions inCe142

Angular correlation measurements have been performed on 12 direct and 4 skip cascades in ${}_{}{}^{142}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ce}$, all involving the 641-keV $2^{+}$ → $0^{+}$ transition. The ${}_{}{}^{142}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ce}$ levels were populated in the ${\beta }^{-}$ decay of fission-product ${}_{}{}^{142}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{La}$ produced as a decay product of ${}_{}{}^{142}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Xe}$ at the TRISTAN on-line isotope-separator facility. Spin-parity assignments or preferences have been made for all 13 excited levels below 3 MeV previously known to be populated in this decay. In addition, a new $0^{+}$ level is established at 2030 keV in ${}_{}{}^{142}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ce}$. These levels are described in terms of vibrations of a spherical nucleus. An alternate interpretation in terms of quasirotational bands is also presented.