Comprehensive test of nuclear level density models

For the last two decades, experimental information on nuclear level densities for about 60 different nuclei has been obtained basis of Oslo method. While each these measurements typically compared to one or a few density models, global study including all missing. The present provides systematic comparison between data and six models 42 which $s$-wave resonance spacings are also available. We apply coherent normalization procedure being treated same footing. Our quantitative analysis shows that constant-temperature model presents best description data, closely followed by mean-field plus combinatorial Hartree-Fock statistical model. Their accuracies quite similar, so it remains difficult clearly favour models. When considering energies above threshold where scheme is complete, shown lead rather similar with respect data. recently proposed shape method can, in principle, improve situation since an absolute estimate excitation-energy dependence measured densities. show specific case $^{112}\mathrm{Cd}$ could exclude Such be performed bulk can applied before drawing conclusions general quality given