Search for E0 transitions in $^{\mathrm{154,156}}$Gd*

Transitions between nuclear states below a few MeV can occur through two processes: $\gamma $-emission and internal conversion. The E0 transition can only occur through internal conversion and is the only way to observe the "forbidden" transitions between two 0$+$ states. The even Gd isotopes have been found to have a substantial number of low-lying 0$+$ states. Determining the nature of these 0$+$ states remains one of the open questions in nuclear structure. Measuring the E0 transitions from these states is crucial for understanding. We have searched for E0 transitions between 0$+$ states in $^{\mathrm{154,156}}$Gd nuclei following the $^{\mathrm{152,154}}$Sm($\alpha $,2n) reactions by measuring conversion electrons using the Internal Conversion Electron Ball (ICEBall) array in coincidence with $\gamma $-rays using the GEORGINA detectors at the University of Notre Dame's Nuclear Science Laboratory. Details of the experimental setup and preliminary results will be presented.