Search

New transitions in neutron-rich Y100 have been identified in a Be9+U238 experiment with mass and Z gates to provide full fragment identification. These transitions and high spin levels of Y100 have been investigated by analyzing the high statistics γ-γ-γ and γ-γ-γ-γ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of Cf252 at the Gammasphere detector array. Two new bands, 14 new levels, and 23 new transitions have been identified. The Kπ=4+ new band decaying to a 1s isomeric state is assigned to be the high-K Gallagher-Moszkowski (GM) partner of the known Kπ=1+ band, with the π5/2[522] - ν3/2[411] configuration. This 4+ band is also proposed to be the pseudospin partner of the new Kπ=5+ band with a 5+π5/2[422] - ν5/2[413] configuration, to form a π5/2[422] - ν[3125/2,3/2] neutron pseudospin doublet. Constrained triaxial covariant density-functional theory and quantal particle rotor model calculations have been applied to interpret the band structure and available electromagnetic transition probabilities and are found to be in good agreement with experimental values.

New transitions in neutron rich $^{100}$Y have been identified in a $^9$Be+$^{238}$U experiment with mass- and Z- gates to provide full fragment identification. These transitions and high spin levels of $^{100}$Y have been investigated by analyzing the high statistics $\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ and $\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf at the Gammasphere detector array. Two new bands, 14 new levels and 23 new transitions have been identified. The $K^{\pi}=4^+$ new band decaying to an 1s isomeric state is assigned to be the high-$K$ Gallagher-Moszkowski (GM) partner of the known $K^{\pi}=1^+$ band, with the $\pi 5/2[522] \otimes \nu 3/2[411]$ configuration. This 4$^+$ band is also proposed to be the pseudo spin partner of the new $K^{\pi}=5^+$ band with a 5$^{+}$ $\pi 5/2[422] \otimes \nu 5/2[413]$ configuration, to form a $\pi 5/2[422] \otimes \nu [312$ $5/2,3/2]$ neutron pseudospin doublet. Constrained triaxial covariant density functional theory and quantal particle rotor model calculations have been applied to interpret the band structure and available electromagnetic transition probabilities and are found in good agreement with experimental values.

From γ-γ-γ and γ-γ-γ-γ coincidence studies of spontaneous fission of 252Cf, new high spin states in 148Ce were identified. The octupole bands with s = + 1 and s = − 1 are expanded with spins with 28+ and 18−, respectively. Importantly, a 1γ vibrational band has been established up to 14+ and a 1β vibrational band up to 6+. The levels in γ and β bands in 148Ce are compared systematically to those in neighboring 150Nd and 152Sm isotones. This comparison informs the role of deformation and shape transition in this mass region. New 3− and 5− members of the s = + 1 octupole band were observed.

High spin band structures of neutron-rich $^{152--158}\mathrm{Pm}$ isotopes have been obtained from the measurement of prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays of isotopically identified fragments produced in fission of $^{238}\mathrm{U}+^{9}\mathrm{Be}$ and detected using the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer and EXOGAM segmented Clover array at GANIL and also from the high statistics $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ using Gammasphere. The excited states in $^{157}\mathrm{Pm}$ and those above the isomers in even-$A$ Pm isotopes $^{152,154,156,158}\mathrm{Pm}$ have been identified for the first time. The spectroscopic information on the rotational band structures in odd-$A$ Pm isotopes has been extended considerably to higher spins and the possibility of the presence of reflection asymmetric shapes is explored. The configuration assignments are based on the results of cranked relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculations. From the systematics of bands in odd-$A$ Pm isotopes and weak population of opposite parity bands, octupole deformed shapes in neutron-rich Pm isotopes beyond $N=90$ seem unlikely to be present.

High spin states of neutron-rich 146,147La have been reinvestigated by $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $ \gamma$ and $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ coincidence data from a 252Cf spontaneous fission experiment by using Gammasphere. Thirty-two new transitions in 146La are observed. Two new bands in 146La have been established. One of them is proposed to be the octupole parity partner of the previously known band. Twenty new transitions in 147La are observed. The ground state band of 147La has been established with a proposed $ 5/2^+$ band-head. Angular correlation of cascades has been used to study the spins and parities of the states. The B(E1)/B(E2) ratios and dipole moments of bands in 146, 147La have been measured.

High-spin-level schemes of $^{118,119}\mathrm{Ag}$ are established for the first time by analyzing the high statistics $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ at Gammasphere. Two bands with 12 new levels in $^{118}\mathrm{Ag}$ and three bands with 14 new levels in $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$ have been identified. A total Routhian surface calculation and projected shell model calculation have been performed to understand the behavior of these two nuclei. The calculations indicate oblate shape in $^{118,119}\mathrm{Ag}$.

Level schemes of even–even neutron-rich 88-92 Kr and 86 Se have been investigated by measuring triple-γ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The level scheme of 88 Kr has been extended up to 7169 keV state. Several new excited states with new transitions have been identified in 90,92 Kr and 86 Se . Spins and parities have been assigned to levels in these nuclei by following regional systematics and angular correlation measurements. The level structures of the N = 52, 54, Se , Kr , and Sr isotones are discussed.

The high spin states of neutron-rich 103Nb, 107Tc and 109Tc nuclei in A∼110 region have been investigated by measuring prompt γ-γ-γ coincident measurements populated with the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. In 103Nb, one-phonon K = 9/2 and two-phonon K = 13/2 γ-vibrational bands have been identified. In 107Tc and 109Tc, one-phonon K = 11/2 and two-phonon K = 15/2 γ-vibrational bands, in which the zero-phonon bands are based on K=7/2 excited states, have also been identified. The two-phonon bands are first observed in odd-Z nuclei. The characteristics for these band structures have been discussed.

The level scheme of odd-Z neutron-rich 141Cs (Z=55, N=86) was extended and expanded and that of 144Cs (N=89) was identified for the first time by means of γ–γ–γ coincidence measurements of prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with Gammasphere. Spin/parity was assigned to the levels based on angular correlations and level systematics in 141,143Cs. Parity doublets characteristic of both simplex quantum number s=+i and s=−i were proposed in 141Cs. The tests by using rotational frequency ratio ω−(I)/ω+(I) imply octupole vibrations in 141Cs and 143Cs. B(E1)/B(E2) values and electric dipole moments D0 were calculated for 141Cs, and re-determined for 143Cs. It was found that B(E1)/B(E2) values of 141Cs are simplex-dependent and the average value is one order of magnitude larger than that of 143Cs, and the deduced dipole moment D0 of 141Cs is considerably larger than that of 143Cs, and comparable to the N=86 isotone 142Ba. For 144Cs the yrast sequence looks like a well-deformed rotational band, but no octupole band structure was identified in this nucleus. The overall variations of D0 in 141,143,144Cs exhibit a pronounced drop of dipole moment with increasing neutron number in this odd-Z isotopic chain, which may be analogous in nature to the quenching of D0 observed in even–even 146Ba (Z=56, N=90) and 224Ra (Z=88, N=136), and to the drop of D0 in the odd-Z neutron-rich 147La (Z=57, N=90) reported by our collaboration.

New transitions in neutron rich [Formula: see text]Y have been identified by analyzing the high statistics [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of [Formula: see text]Cf at the Gammasphere detector array. Shell model calculations were performed and are found in good agreement with experimental data. The ground state is nearly spherical but a new excited band has large deformation.

High-spin, even-parity bands in neutron-rich 108, 110, 112 Ru nuclei were reinvestigated and considerably expanded by measuring many-fold prompt γ-ray coincidence events following the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf with Gammasphere. Our high statistics data allow us to detect weaker transitions and bands not previously published. Also, gamma branching ratios, which are important for theory, are carefully measured from all levels. In 110 Ru , we find a doubling of levels for both ground and quasi-gamma bands above the 8+ levels. There are likely two-phonon quasi-gamma bands in 110, 112 Ru , as well as a bandhead level in 108 Ru . The odd–even spin energy band staggering observed in the quasi-gamma bands in 108, 110, 112 Ru and the doubling of levels in 110 Ru present a challenge to theory.

Two similar sets of odd-parity bands are observed in each of three even–even neighbors, 108, 110, 112 Ru , from a study of prompt spontaneous-fission gamma rays at Gammasphere. A careful study of the odd-parity levels of these nuclei shows evidence for the features of chiral doubling. Comparisons are made with reported other candidates for chiral doubling.

The high-spin level schemes of odd–odd 100Nb ( Z = 41 , N = 59 ) and 148La ( Z = 57 , N = 91 ) were identified from γ – γ – γ coincidence studies of prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with Gammasphere. Spin/parity assignments for the levels in these two nuclei were made based on the low-lying levels assigned in decay work, on the internal conversion coefficient (ICC) measurements and the level systematics of the neighboring isotopes. A K π = 1 + deformed ground-state band was identified in 100Nb. The onset of ground-state deformation in Nb isotopes is found to take place at N = 59 , in contrast to N = 60 for Sr ( Z = 38 ), Y ( Z = 39 ) and Zr ( Z = 40 ) isotopes. Unlike the observation in 99Nb, the N = 56 subshell closure seems to be no longer dominant in 100Nb. The bands observed in 148La are interpreted as aligned coupling of [ π h 11 / 2 υ h 9 / 2 ] low J to the deformed core rotor.

Collective bands in the neutron-rich 103 Nb nucleus have been investigated by measuring prompt γ -rays following spontaneous fission of 252 Cf. Three new bands have been identified. The band based on the 716.8 keV level is proposed as a candidate for the K π = 9 / 2 + one-phonon γ -vibrational band, and the band built on the 1282.1 keV level is proposed as a candidate for the K π = 13 / 2 + two-phonon γ -vibrational band. The two-phonon γ -vibrational band is the first such band identified in odd- Z nuclei.

The yrast and near-yrast level scheme of light neutron-rich 143La ( Z = 57 , N = 86 ) is reinvestigated and expanded and that of 144La ( N = 87 ) is proposed for the first time by measuring prompt γ rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf at Gammasphere. Spins/parities are assigned to the lowest-lying levels of 143,144La based on the early studies of β − decay, and the assignments for high-spin levels of 143,144La are made by measuring internal conversion coefficients and following the level systematics of the neighboring heavier La isotopes and even–even Ba and Ce nuclei. The B ( E 1 ) / B ( E 2 ) ratios, energy displacements δ E ( I ) and rotational frequency ratios ω − ( I ) / ω + ( I ) of the new parity-doublets of 143,144La indicate that octupole deformations/correlations also develop in these nuclei. The band-crossings observed in a rotational frequency range of 0.31 to 0.34 MeV for the two even-parity bands in 143La but being absent in 144La are interpreted as due to alignment of a pair of i 13 / 2 neutrons in 143La.

Levels in the neutron-rich 109Ru have been studied by observing the prompt γ-rays following the spontaneous fission fragments of 252Cf. The ground state band and the negative parity bands have been confirmed and extended. A positive parity band with the band head level at 332.5 keV is newly identified and suggested as a single-neutron excitation band built on the 7/2+[404] Nilsson orbital. Some structural characteristics of these bands are discussed.

Rotational bands in 108,110,112Ru have been investigated by means of γ – γ – γ and γ – γ ( θ ) coincidences of prompt γ rays emitted in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. The positive parity bands are described by different versions of IBA, where 108Ru is best described as a γ-soft nucleus whereas 110,112Ru are more like rigid triaxial rotors. New Δ I = 1 negative parity doublet bands are found. In case of 110,112Ru, these are interpreted as soft chiral vibrations. Many of the experimental findings can be explained by microscopic calculations that combine the TAC mean-field with random phase approximation but a simple geometrical explanation is not apparent.

Prompt γ – γ – γ coincidence measurements of A = 99 –114 neutron-rich nuclei populated in the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf were made with Gammasphere. The high statistics data, 5.7×10 11 triples and higher folds, opened up discoveries of new band structures and significant extensions of previously known bands. The new data for ground bands in 99,101 Y, 101,105 Nb, 105,107,109,111 Tc and 111,113 Rh when compared with one quasi-particle plus triaxial rotor calculation, revealed a smooth transition from axial symmetry in 99,101 Y to maximize triaxiality in 111,113 Rh. In 106 Mo, 110,112 Ru, pairs of Δ I = 1 doublet bands are established to high spins. Their constant and equal kinetic moments of inertia, small energy differences between states of the same spin and very similar B(E2)/B(M1) ratios for each band in these nuclei suggest that these are chiral doublet bands. If they are not chiral, then a new symmetry is indicted. Extended one- and new two-phonon γ -vibrational bands are observed in 110,112 Ru. The extended one-phonon bands in 104-108 Mo, and 108-112 Ru exhibit an unexpected reversal in the energy level staggering pattern with spin. The first one- and two-phonon γ -bands in an odd- A nucleus are seen in 105 Mo with level energies almost identical to these same bands known in 104 Mo.

Prompt triple γ coincidence studies of the nuclei produced in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf were carried out at Gammasphere. The relative yield matrix for the Ba-Mo and Ba-α-Zr charge splits was determined using an improved analysis. An upper limit for the second mode of 0.5 % is found for the binary case, while the ternary case shows evidence of a strong second mode. Half-lives of several states in neutron-rich nuclei were measured by using a new time-gated γ − γ − γ coincidence technique. A large deformation of β = 0.47 was observed in 104Zr using this method. New band structures were found in several odd-A Y, Nb, Tc, and Rh nuclei. These nuclei show a smooth evolution from axial symmetry in Y to maximum triaxiality in Rh. Particle plus triaxial rotor calculations have been made for these odd-A nuclei. The gamma band staggering in 108,110,112Ru will be discussed.

The previously reported levels assigned to 151,152,153Pr have recently been called into question regarding their mass assignment. The above questioned level assignments are clarified by measuring g-transitions tagged with A and Z in an in-beam experiment in addition to the measurements from 252Cf spontaneous fission (SF) and establish new spectroscopic information from $N=84$ to $N=94$ in the Pr isotopic chain. The isotopic chain 143-153Pr has been studied from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf by using Gammasphere and also from the measurement of the prompt g-rays in coincidence with isotopically-identified fission fragments using VAMOS++ and EXOGAM at GANIL. The latter were produced using 238U beams on a 9Be target at energies around the Coulomb barrier. The g-g-g-g data from 252Cf (SF) and those from the GANIL in-beam A- and Z-gated spectra were combined to unambiguously assign the various transitions and levels in 151,152,153Pr and other isotopes. New transitions and bands in 145,147,148,149,150Pr were identified by using g-g-g and g-g-g-g coincidences and A and Z gated g-g spectra. The transitions and levels previously assigned to 151,153Pr have been confirmed by the (A,Z) gated spectra. The transitions previously assigned to 152Pr are now assigned to 151Pr on the basis of the (A,Z) gated spectra. Two new bands with 20 new transitions in 152Pr and one new band with 7 new transitions in 153Pr are identified from the g-g-g-g coincidence spectra and the (A,Z) gated spectrum. In addition, new g-rays are also reported in 143-146Pr. New levels of 145,147-153Pr have been established, reliable mass assignments of the levels in 151,152,153Pr have been reported and new transitions have been identified in 143-146Pr showing the new avenues that are opened by combining the two experimental approaches.

Levels in the neutron-rich 105Mo nucleus have been investigated by observing prompt γ-rays following the spontaneous fission fragments of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The yrast band has been confirmed and updated. The other two collective bands with the band head levels at 870.5 and 1534.6 keV are newly observed, and they are suggested as the candidates for one-phonon K = 9/2 and two-phonon K = 13/2 double γ-vibrational bands, respectively. Systematic characteristics of these bands have been discussed.

The hot bimodal fission of 252Cf is reexamined with new high-statistics data. We constructed a γ-γ-γ coincidence cube for binary fission and LCP-gated γ-γ matrix for ternary fission. By identifying the secondary fission fragments from their γ-ray transitions, we measured the yields for various fission splits. The normal neutron yield distribution is found to be Gaussian for Xe-Ru. However, the binary fission split of Ba-Mo is found to exhibit a bimodal neutron distribution with the “hot mode” corresponding to ≈3.1% of the total yield. In α ternary fission, the first measurements of yields for specific fission splits are presented. The Te-α-Ru and Xe-α-Mo neutron yields fit well with a single mode, but the Ba-α-Zr split shows evidence for an enhanced hot mode with an intensity of ≈13.8% of the normal mode.

Levels in the neutron-rich 112Ru nucleus have been investigated by observing prompt gamma-rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The ground-state band and the one-phonon γ-vibrational band have been confirmed and extended with spin up to 16 and 15 , respectively. The other two side bands, one proposed as two-phonon γ-vibrational band and the other proposed as two-quasiparticle band, have been observed for the first time. The total-Routhian-surface calculations show that rotational 112Ru nucleus has triaxial deformation with parameters β2~0.27 and γ = −29°. The observed band crossing in the yrast band is due to the alignment of a pair of h11/2 neutrons according to the cranked shell model calculations. The possible configuration for the quasiparticle band has also been discussed.

High-spin states in neutron-rich 106Mo were investigated by detecting the prompt γ-rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with Gammasphere. Several new bands are observed. Two sets of ΔI = 1 bands in 106Mo are found to have all the characteristics of a new class of chiral vibrational doublets. Tilted axis cranking calculations support the chiral assignment and indicate that the chirality is generated by neutron h11/2 particle and mixed d5/2, g7/2 hole coupled to the short and long axis, repectively.

Rotational bands in neutron-rich 98Sr nucleus have been investigated by measuring high-fold prompt γ-ray coincidence events of the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. A deformed K = 3 band built on the 1838 keV level has been confirmed and extended. Another deformed K = 6 band based on the 2535 keV level has been established. Both the bands originate most probably from the ν9/2[404]⊗ν3/2[411] two-quasiparticle configuration with Ω = |Ω1−Ω2| and Ω = |Ω1+Ω2|, respectively. Based on the delay-coincidence measurements, the half-lives for the K = 3 and K = 6 band head levels have been obtained to be 13±3 ns and 4.5±1.0 ns, respectively.

High spin states in the neutron-rich 108Ru nucleus have been studied through measuring prompt γ-ray coincidences following the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The yrast band has been confirmed. The one-phonon γ-vibrational band and the two-quasiparticle band based on the 5− level have been extended up to 13+ and 15−, respectively. In addition, two levels at 1644.8 keV and 1826.5 keV excitation energies are newly identified and proposed to be the members of a two-phonon γ-vibrational band. It is shown that the 108Ru nucleus has triaxial deformation with parameters β2~0.29 and γ = −22 degrees from the total Routhian surface calculations. The observed band crossing in the yrast band is due to the alignment of a pair of h11/2 neutrons according to the cranked shell model calculations. The possible configuration for the two-quasiparticle band has been discussed.

Neutron-rich nuclei populated in spontaneous fission are providing new tests for microscopic models. The neutron-rich 104–108 Mo, 108–114 Ru and 112–116 Pd exibit a variety of rapidly changing collective band structures to high spins. The first evidence for chiral band doublets in any even-even nucleus are reported.

High spin states in neutron-rich 110Ru nucleus have been investigated by measuring high-fold prompt γ-ray coincidence events of the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The ground-state band and the γ-vibrational band have been confirmed and extended with spin up to 18 and 13 , respectively. The other three side bands, two proposed as two-quasiparticle bands and one proposed as a four-quasiparticle band, have been observed for the first time. The possible configurations for the quasi-particle bands are discussed. The cranked shell model calculations show that 110Ru nucleus may have oblate triaxial deformation with parameters β2 = -0.30 and γ = 24°, and the band crossing in the yrast band is due to the alignment of a pair of h11/2 neutrons.

With new high statistic data, new isotopes and new high-spin structures are observed in neutron-rich nuclei populated in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. The 135Te levels are extended, and many new levels in 139,141Ba observed. The coexistence of collective and single particle-hole states is found in 135Te. The N = 83 135Te and 139Ba show marked differences associated with differences in their particle and hole states. New levels in 141Ba complete evidence for two opposite-parity doublets characteristic of stable octupole deformation. In 114,116Pd a second backbend is observed for the first time in this mass region and the backbend in 118Pd occurs earlier than in 112-116Pd because of a reduction in pairing. Gamma-type vibrational bands are seen up to 13+ to 15+ in 104,106Mo, 108-112Ru, and 112-116Pd. Their behavior reflects prolate to triaxial shapes in these nuclei. The levels of 162,164Gd are observed for the first time. As N increases toward mid-shell at 104, the moments of inertia in N = 100 164Gd show an unexpected decrease compared to N = 98 162Gd. The levels in 162,164Gd form remarkable shifted identical bands with nuclei separated by 2n, 2p, α, and 2α.

The spontaneous fission (SF) of 252Cf has been studied via γ-γ-γ coincidence and light charged particle—γ-γ coincidence with Gammasphere. The yields of correlated Mo-Ba pairs in binary fission with 0–10 neutron emission have been remeasured with an uncompressed cube. The previous hot fission mode with 8–10 neutron emission seen in the Mo-Ba split is found to be smaller than earlier results but still present. New 0n binary SF yields are reported. By gating on the light charged particles detected in ΔE-E detectors and γ-γ coincidence with Gammasphere, the relative yields of correlated pairs in alpha ternary fission with zero to 6n emission are observed for the first time. The peak occurs around the α2n channel. A number of correlated pairs are identified in ternary fission with 10Be as the light charged particle. We observed only cold, 0n10Be and little, if any, hot, xn10Be channels.

Using triple-coincidence events of prompt fission γ rays from spontaneous fission of 252 Cf, we made a new analysis of the yield matrix of coincident pairs of barium ( Z =56) and molybdenum ( Z =42) fission fragments. Branching from γ-bands ( K =2) and octupole-bands ( K =0) were also measured. From this reanalysis the previously proposed “extra-hot-fission mode” (8–10 neutrons evaporated) is much weaker than first reported. In this paper, we discuss in detail the methodology, including background subtraction for triple-coincidence data. The importance of minimal compression spectra allowing least-squares peak-fitting analysis is emphasized.

The rotational bands up to a spin of 16 in the neutron-rich 106Mo nucleus have been investigated by measuring high-fold prompt γ-ray coincidence events following spontaneous fission of 252Cf with a Gammasphere detector array. The ground-state band, the one-phonon and two-phonon γ-vibrational bands, as well as a quasi-particle band have been confirmed and expanded. The other four collective rotational bands, three proposed as two-quasi-particle bands and one proposed as a β-vibrational band, have been newly observed. The characteristics of these collective bands and the possible configurations for the quasi-particle bands are discussed.

New excited states built on the 11/2− isomeric states are identified in neutron-rich 121,123Cd, respectively, with gammasphere by measuring three-and higher-fold prompt coincidences following the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. The new data suggests that the 11/2− isomers in the odd-A Cd isotopes with N ≥ 75 have spherical shape similar to those in Te. It is suggested that the backbending observed at ω ≈ 0.445 MeV in 121Cd is because of the alignment of the h11/2 neutron pair.

High-spin levels of [Formula: see text]Mo have been reinvestigated by analyzing the high statistics [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of [Formula: see text]Cf taken with the Gammasphere detector array. Two bands and 30 new transitions have been identified. A potential energy surface calculation has been performed. The calculation confirmed the 3/2[Formula: see text][411] configuration of the ground state band and 5/2[Formula: see text][532] for the 346[Formula: see text]keV excited band, as assigned in the previous work. The two newly established bands were proposed to be one- and two-phonon [Formula: see text] vibrational bands coupling to the 5/2[Formula: see text][532] Nilsson orbital, respectively. Triaxial projected shell model calculations have been applied to explain the level structure and are found in good agreement with experimental data.

High spin states in neutron-rich $^{147}\mathrm{Ce}$ have been reinvestigated by measuring the triple- and fourfold $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence data observed in the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$. The positive-parity band is expanded to spin (45/2) $\ensuremath{\hbar}$ and the negative-parity side band is expanded to spin (39/2) with a new third band connected to it. An octupole band structure with $s=+i$ was proposed. The systematic characteristics of the octupole correlations have been discussed. Reflection asymmetric shell model calculations for the octupole band structure of $^{147}\mathrm{Ce}$ are in good agreement with the experimental data.

The level structures of \(^{108,110,112}\)Ru (\(Z=44\)) and \(^{112,114,115,116,117,118}\)Pd (\(Z=46\)) have been significantly expanded through studies of prompt \(\gamma \)-\(\gamma \)-\(\gamma \) and \(\gamma \)-\(\gamma \)-\(\gamma \)-\(\gamma \) coincidences observed with Gammasphere following the spontaneous fission of \(^{252}\)Cf. Chiral doublet bands were observed in \(^{110,112}\)Ru. Softness to triaxiality perturbs the bands of \(^{108}\)Ru and even-\(N\) Pd isotopes. In \(^{112}\)Ru, evidence for wobbling motion is found in the behavior of the \(\gamma \) vibrational band. Similar evidence for wobbling motion is found in \(^{114}\)Pd, the \(N = 68\) isotone of \(^{112}\)Ru. A transition from triaxial prolate to triaxial oblate was found in \(^{112-116}\)Pd with shape coexistent bands in \(^{115}\)Pd. New levels were observed in \(^{162,163}\)Gd.

A rotational band was observed for the first time in $^{106}\mathrm{Nb}$ by means of \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} and \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} measurements of prompt fission \ensuremath{\gamma} rays from $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ by using the Gammasphere multidetector array. Projected shell model and potential-energy surface calculations were performed and were compared to the experimental data of $^{106}\mathrm{Nb}$ and the previously reported $^{104}\mathrm{Nb}$. Configurations and spin-parity were assigned to the ground level, low-lying levels, and rotational bandheads of the two Nb isotopes. The new rotational band in $^{106}\mathrm{Nb}$ was interpreted as a ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ band with a configuration \ensuremath{\pi}1/2${}^{+}$[431] \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\nu}5/2${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$[532]. The same spin-parity and configuration were assigned to the analogous band in $^{104}\mathrm{Nb}$. \ensuremath{\pi}1/2${}^{+}$[431] \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\nu}5/2${}^{+}$[413], ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={3}^{+}$ were assigned to the 0.66-\ensuremath{\mu}s isomer and explained the $M$2 isomeric decay to the ground in $^{106}\mathrm{Nb}$. The proton intruder orbital \ensuremath{\pi}1/2${}^{+}$[431] plays an important role in shape evolution with regard to triaxial deformation in these neutron-rich Nb isotopes.

The spontaneous fission of 252Cf has been studied via γ-γ-γ coincidence and γ-γ light charged particle coincidence with Gammasphere. The binary fission yields of correlated Mo−Ba pairs with 0–10 neutron emission have been remeasured. The existence of “hot” fission mode with 8–10 neutron emission seen previously in the Mo−Ba split is confirmed but with lower intensities. By gating on the light charged particles detected in ΔE-E detectors and a γ ray in one partner, the relative yields of correlated pairs in alpha ternary SF with zero to 6n emission are observed for the first time with the distribution peaked at 2.5n. New correlated pairs are identified in 10Be ternary SF. We observed essentially only cold, On 10Be and little, if any, hot, xn 10Be. New γ-γ-γ data with 2.3 times the total events show weak non-Doppler broadened high energy peaks in coincidence with transitions in correlated pairs in 10Be SF shifted by the same 6,1 to 26 keV from the 2-0 energy in 10Be as seen earlier.

The levels in 162Gd were identified in spontaneous fission studies. Its transition energies are remarkably similar to those in 160Gd. From that work, an analysis of yrast bands in even-even proton to neutron-rich Ba to Pb nuclei led to the discovery of a new phenomenon, shifted identical bands (SIB). SIBs are yrast bands in neighboring nuclei (a, b) with moments of inertia which are identical when shifted by a constant amount ?, so J 1a (1+?)=J 1b , from 2+ to 8+ and higher to 16+. Out of over 700 comparisons, 55 SIBs were found from stable to the most neutron-rich Ce-W nuclei with $$\left| {\bar k} \right|$$ between 1.5% and 13%, where the spread in ? is less than 1%, and only four identical bands ( $$\bar k \cong 0$$ ). As examples, we found for 158Sm-160Gd, $$\bar k = \left( { - 3.2_{ - 0.2}^{ + 0.1} } \right)\%$$ (where the is the total spread in ? from -3.1 to -3.4); 156Nd-160Gd, (-10.6 -0.2 +0.4 )%; 158Sm-160Sm, (3.4 -0.3 +0.5 )%. The J 1 values were fitted to a variable moment of inertia model with parameters J 0 and C whose values correlate with the SIB J 1 values. The SIBs are not correlated either with deformation or with the N p N n product of the IBA model.

The spontaneous fission of 252 Cf has been studied via γ  γ  γ coincidences and γ  γ-light charged particle coincidences with Gammasphere. The yields of correlated Mo-Ba pairs in binary fission with 0–10 neutron emission have been remeasured with an uncompressed γγγ coincidence data. The previous hot fission mode with 8–10 neutron emission seen in the Mo-Ba split is found to be smaller than earlier results but still present. New 0n binary SF yields are reported. By gating on the light charged particles detected in ΔE-E Si detectors and γγ coincidences with Gammasphere, the relative yields of correlated pairs in alpha ternary fission with zero to 6n emission are observed for the first time. A number of correlated pairs are identified in ternary fission with 10 Be as the LCP. We observed only cold, 0n 10 Be and little, if any, hot, xn 10 Be channel.

Background: The odd-$Z$ ${}^{105}$Nb nucleus is located in the $A=100$ neutron-rich region. The study of multi-phonon vibrational band structures is important for understanding nuclear structure in this region.Purpose: To search for multi-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational bands in ${}^{105}$Nb.Methods: The high spin states of ${}^{105}$Nb have been studied by measuring the prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted in the spontaneous fission of ${}^{252}$Cf. The data analysis is carried out using triple- and four-fold $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence methods.Results: A new level scheme of ${}^{105}$Nb is established. The yrast band has been confirmed, and three new collective bands have been identified. Compared with previous results, a total of 14 new levels and 36 new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions are observed. Two bands built on 625.9 keV and 1231.9 keV levels are proposed as one-phonon- and two-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational bands, respectively. The evidences for supporting assignments of the multi-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational bands have been discussed. Triaxial projected shell model calculations for the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational band structures are found in good agreement with the experimental data, thus further supporting the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational interpretations for the experimental results in ${}^{105}$Nb.Conclusions: The one-phonon- and two-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational bands have been identified in ${}^{105}$Nb. Our results provide new data to systematically understand the characteristics of the multi-phonon $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational bands in the $A=100$ neutron-rich region.

The high spin states in neutron-rich 104Nb have been investigated from study of prompt γ-rays in spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. A new rotational band has been identified for the first time. This band is proposed as a semi-decoupled band based on the configuration γ5/2−[303]Λν1/2−[541].

The high spin states of the neutron-rich odd-odd 106Tc nucleus have been reinvestigated by observing prompt γ-rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. A previously known collective band is confirmed and expanded, and a new collective band is newly identified. Several levels in previous report in 106Tc are reexamined and they belong to the members of a band in 107Tc. The total Routhian surface (TRS) calculations show that the 106Tc has triaxial shape. The spins and parities as well as the configurations for these bands have been tentatively assigned according to the analysis of the angular momentum alignments.

High spin states in A ~ 110 neutron-rich 106Mo, 110Ru and 112Ru nuclei have been reinvestigated by measuring the prompt γ-rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. Two similar sets of bands are observed to high spins in each of three nuclei. Through analyzing of characters of the band structures, the chiral doublet bands are suggested in 106Mo, 110Ru and 112Ru.

High-spin states in neutron-rich 102Mo nucleus have been studied by measuring the prompt γ-rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. The previous level scheme has been updated and some new levels and transitions are identified. The one-phonon γ-band is expanded and a band head level of the two-phonon γ-band is proposed. The systematic characteristics of yrast bands, one-phonon γ-bands, two-phonon γ-bands and quasi-particle bands in 102Mo, 104Mo and 106Mo are discussed.

Several new high-spin states are observed in the prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays emitted from the neutron-rich, odd-$Z$ ${}^{145,147}\mathrm{La}$ fragments produced in the spontaneous fission of ${}^{252}\mathrm{Cf}.$ Alternating parity bands are extended up to spins 41/2 and 43/2 in ${}^{145,147}\mathrm{La},$ respectively. A new band completes the evidence for two sets of parity doublets expected for octupole correlations. Eight $B(E1)/B(E2)$ ratios (four new) between two bands in ${}^{145}\mathrm{La}$ are all essentially constant and somewhat larger than similar ratios in ${}^{143,144}\mathrm{Ba},$ where stable octupole deformation and/or correlations are reported. The new ratios out of the ${31/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ levels in both nuclei show a sharp spike compared to other states, presumably from a strong reduction in $E2$ strengths in this backbending region. In ${}^{145}\mathrm{La},$ collective bands show competition and coexistence between symmetric and asymmetric shapes. Band crossings occur in both nuclei around $\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\approx}0.26--0.30 \mathrm{MeV}.$ Their backbends are associated with the alignment of two ${i}_{13/2}$ neutrons according to cranked shell model calculations.

Several $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions in ${}^{101--103}\mathrm{Nb},{ }^{98,100}\mathrm{Y},{ }^{146}\mathrm{La},$ and ${}^{149}\mathrm{Pr}$ are identified from spontaneous fission studies employing a ${}^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ source and the Gammasphere detector array. In particular, the pairing-free bands in ${}^{100}\mathrm{Y}$ and ${}^{102}\mathrm{Nb}$ are extended, two rather highly deformed negative-parity bands feeding the 4.3-s $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decaying isomer of ${}^{102}\mathrm{Nb}$ are identified, and their possible bandhead configurations are discussed. In the case of ${}^{101,103}\mathrm{Nb},$ we have extended previously reported level schemes by over 20 transitions in each nuclide. For the fission partners ${}^{146}\mathrm{La}$ and ${}^{149}\mathrm{Pr}$ we have elucidated their previously unreported yrast level schemes.

The emission of {sup 10}Be in ternary cold neutronless spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf is observed with the Gammasphere consisting of 72 detectors. The {gamma} ray corresponding to the decay of the first 2{sup +} state in {sup 10}Be is observed in coincidence with the {gamma} rays of the fission partners of {sup 96}Sr and {sup 146}Ba . The yield to the first excited state of {sup 10}Be in the {sup 96}Sr- {sup 146}Ba split is the order of 4.0{times}10{sup {minus}4} per 100 fission events. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}

From γ-γ-γ coincidence measurements in the spontaneous fission of252Cf, level energies were established for spins 14+ to 20+ in many neutron-rich nuclei. New isotopes160Sm and162Gd were identified. The yrast bands of152,154,156Nd,156,158,160Sm, and160,162Gd exhibit remarkably near-identical transition energies and moments of inertia which are shifted by the same constant amounts for every spin state from 2+ to 12+ or 14+ for nuclei differing by 2n, 4n, 2p, 4p, α, α+2p, and α+2n. These shifted identical bands (SIB) are a new phenomenon. Analysis of all known even-even proton- to neutron-rich nuclei from Ba (Z = 56) to Os (Z = 76) reveal no SIB for proton-rich nuclei and only a few additional cases of SIB for the most neutron-rich pairs aroundN = 98–102 separated by 2n and 2p. The levels in8107Mo were extended and levels in109Mo identified for the first time.

The phenomenon of cold (neutronless) alpha ternary fission in spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf was experimentally observed by triple gamma coincidence technique with Gammasphere with 72 gamma-ray detectors. Correlated pairs of {sub 36}Kr-{sub 60}Nd, {sub 38}Sr-{sub 58}Ce, {sub 40}Zr-{sub 56}Ba, {sub 42}Mo-{sub 54}Xe, {sub 44}Ru-{sub 52}Te, and {sub 46}Pd-{sub 50}Sn were observed to be associated with {alpha} ternary fission of {sup 252}Cf. Yields of cold {alpha} ternary fission were extracted. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}