Quadrupole and monopole transition properties of $0^+_2$ in Gd isotopes

Abstract: The longstanding problem of characterization of the $0^+_2$ states in Gd isotopes is revisited by adopting the Nilsson$+$BCS mean field and the random-phase approximation. The interband electric quadrupole transition strengths varying almost two orders of magnitude are nicely reproduced at the same time as other observables. These results indicate that the $0^+_2$ states, in particular, those in lighter isotopes are well described as $\beta$ vibrations excited on top of deformed ground states without recourse to the shape-coexistence picture.