We utilize the Shell Model Monte Carlo (SMMC) method to study the structure
of rare earth nuclei. This work demonstrates the first systematic ``full
oscillator shell plus intruder'' calculations in such heavy nuclei. Exact
solutions of a pairing plus quadrupole hamiltonian are compared with mean field
and SPA approximations in several Dysprosium isotopes from A=152-162, including
the odd mass A=153. Basic properties of these nuclei at various temperatures
and spin are explored. These include energy, deformation, moments of inertia,
pairing channel strengths, band crossing, and evolution of shell model
occupation numbers. Exact level densities are also calculated and, in the case
of 162 Dy, compared with experimental data.Comment: 40 pages; 24 figures; 2 tables. Update includes correction of figure
labe
