Search

The ground-state structure of the near-drip-line nucleus 23O has been investigated in a one-neutron Coulomb breakup reaction. Differential cross sections d σ / d E * for electromagnetic excitation of 23O projectiles (422 MeV/nucleon) incident on a lead target have been obtained from the measurement of the momenta of all breakup products including γ rays. The analysis of the deduced dipole-transition probability into the continuum infers a 2 s 1 / 2 ⊗ O 22 ( 0 + ) ground state configuration with a spectroscopic factor of 0.77(10) and thus a ground-state spin I π ( O 23 ) = 1 / 2 + , resolving earlier conflicting experimental findings. Final-state interaction is of significant influence, an effective reduced scattering length for low-energy p 3 / 2 neutron scattering could be derived from the data.

Coulomb breakup of unstable neutron-rich carbon isotopes 15,17 C has been studied at energies around ∼500–600 MeV/nucleon. Non-resonant low-lying dipole strength is observed in these isotopes which can be explained by a direct breakup mechanism. In addition to the decay neutron from excited projectile, γ-rays emitted from excited fragments after Coulomb breakup are measured in coincidence, giving access to quantitative spectroscopic information. The spectroscopic factor deduced for a valence neutron occupying the s1/2 level in the 15C ground state is consistent with that obtained earlier from (d,p) transfer reactions. The analysis for Coulomb breakup of 17C shows that most of the cross section yields the 16C core in excited states. The predominant ground-state configuration of 17C is found to be 16 C (2 + )⊗ν s,d .

Coulomb break up of the neutron-rich 15,17 C and 17–22 O isotopes has been studied experimentally using secondary beams at energies of 500–600 MeV/u. A comparison between differential cross sections, d σ/ d E ∗ , with that obtained from a binary model shows that the main ground-state configuration of 15 C is 14 C(0 + )⊗ ν S 1/2 as expected. For 17 C, our preliminary data analysis reveals that the predominant (∼64%) configuration of the ground state is 16 C(2 + )⊗ ν s , d . For 17–22 O, the low-lying E1 strength amounts up to about 12% of the energy weighted sum rule strength depending on neutron number. The energy weighted E1 strength (integrated up to 15 MeV excitation energy) increases up to 20 O then decreases for 21,22 O. These data are compared to a shell model calculation.

Coulomb breakup of neutron-rich nuclei around mass A ∼ 20 has been studied experimentally using secondary beams (∼ 500–600 MeV/u) of unstable nuclei produced at GSI. The spectroscopic factor deduced for the neutron occupying s 1/2 level in 15C ground state is consistent with the earlier reported value. The data analysis for Coulomb breakup of 17C shows that most of the cross section yields the 16C core in its excited state. For 17–22O, the low-lying E1 strength amounts up to about 12% of the energy weighted dipole sum rule strength depending on neutron excess. The cluster sum rule limit with 16O as a core is almost exhausted for 17,18O, while for more neutron rich isotopes the strength with respect to that limit decreases.

Electromagnetic and nuclear breakup of the neutron-rich Oxygen isotopes ranging from A = 17 to A = 22 is studied experimentally in reactions at energies around 600 MeV/u. The beams were produced in fragmentation reactions and separated by the GSI Fragment Separator FRS. By measuring the four-momenta of all decay products after inelastic scattering and neutron decay of the projectile, the excitation energy is determined. From the differential cross sections dσ dE ∗ for electromagnetic excitation, the E1-strength distributions can be deduced. For 18,20,22O, low-lying dipole strength is observed, exhausting about 5% of the Thomas Reiche Kuhn sumrule for energies up to 5 MeV above the continuum threshold.

In heavy ion collisions at near relativistic energies, electromagnetic excitation of the double giant dipole resonance occurs with large cross sections. We summarize the presently available experimental data and discuss related theoretical efforts. Emphasis is paid to the question of anharmonicities and to the damping of the two-phonon states.

The paper presents the readout system for the 18432 channels of the HADES shower detector. The readout system consists of an analog front-end ASIC for the readout of the pad multiwire chamber, a readout controller board, the so-called readout board for collection and digitization of the analog information from the ASIC and an optical link system for the data transfer. The readout system is designed to cope with event rate of 105 events/s and a data transfer rate of 1.9 Gbyte/s. Utilizing a multistage fast multiplexing system, the cost per channel is kept on the level of $5. Recent results from a test experiment confirm the intended performance of the readout system. ( 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Prompt {gamma}-ray cascades in N=83 fission product nuclei near {sup 132}Sn have been studied at Eurogam II using a {sup 248}Cm source. Cross coincidences observed between {gamma} rays from complementary light and heavy fission fragments were vital for isotopic assignments. Yrast states in the N=83 isotones {sup 134}Sb, {sup 135}Te, and {sup 136}I are reported. The interpretation of the level schemes is based mainly on results of shell model calculations using empirical proton-proton interaction energies from {sup 134}Te, and proton-neutron interactions estimated from the well-known {sup 210}Bi level spectrum. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Neutron-rich nuclei ${}^{147,149,151}$Ce have been studied via the prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy of ${}^{248}$Cm fission fragments. A partial level scheme for ${}^{151}$Ce is presented for the first time, along with the high-spin structure in ${}^{147,149}$Ce. A rapidly changing yrast structure with neutron number is observed and it is suggested that bands in ${}^{147}$Ce and ${}^{151}$Ce are built on the $\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{13/2}$ Nilsson state. The level scheme of ${}^{149}$Ce displays two bands with quite similar transition energies. There is no experimental evidence for octupole deformation in any of the three nuclei.

Prompt γ radiation following spontaneous fission has been measured using the EUROGAM 2 array. Using these data and newly developed analysis techniques a number of subjects were studied, which are briefly discussed. One of these subjects, shape transition in A≈100 Sr and Zr nuclei is discussed in more detail. Quadrupole moments were determined for rotational bands in the N=58,59,60,62 and 64 Sr and Zr isotopes. Deformation parameters, which increase from β2 ≈ 0.1 at N=56 to β2 ≈ 0.4 at N=64, suggest that in strontium and zirconium isotopes shape change happens gradually between N=56 and N=62 and is probably due to an occupancy of three or more deformation-driving orbitals of h11/2 parentage.

A = 140–148 even-even barium nuclei produced in the spontaneous fission of 248Cm were studied using the EUROGAM2 array. Spins and parities of excited levels have been firmly established from triple-γ angular correlation and direction-polarization correlation measurements. Known band structures have been extended and new bands were found. Band-crossing phenomena have been studied, which suggest termination of an alternating-parity band by particle alignment in 146Ba. The new data for 148Ba confirm predictions of a local decrease of electric dipole moment in 146Ba.

Prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cascades in neutron-rich nuclei around doubly magic ${}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ have been studied at Eurogam II using a ${}^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$ fission source. Yrast states to above 5.5 MeV in the two- and three-proton $N\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}82$ isotones ${}^{134}\mathrm{Te}$ and ${}^{135}\mathrm{I}$ are reported. They are interpreted in terms of valence proton and particle-hole core excitations with the help of shell model calculations employing empirical nucleon-nucleon interactions from both ${}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ and ${}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ regions. A serious inconsistency in the accepted masses of $N\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}82$ isotones near ${}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ is discovered but not resolved.

The Eurogam-2 array has been used to study {gamma} rays emitted following the spontaneous fission of a {sup 248}Cm source. Analysis of Doppler-broadened line shapes corresponding to decays from excited rotational states in neutron-rich Sr, Zr, and Mo fission fragments has enabled the first measurements of state lifetimes in these nuclei at around {ital I}=10. The results are consistent with a predicted rotation-induced change in the triaxiality of the yrast states of the Mo isotopes that contrasts with the more stable behavior observed in the Zr and Sr nuclei. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

A heavy-ion multiple Coulomb excitation experiment on a very exotic target containing microweight quantities of 178Hf in the Kπn = 16+ isomeric state has been performed at 4.77 MeV/u 208Pb beam energy. The first excited Iπ = 17+ state has been observed at an excitation energy of 357.4 ± 0.3 keV with respect to the isomeric state. The intrinsic electric quadrupole moment of Q0 = 8.2 ± 1.1 b has been derived from the experimental data within the rigid rotor model.

The level structures of the neutron-rich {sup 104}Mo and {sup 108}Mo nuclei have been investigated by observing prompt {gamma} rays emitted in the spontaneous fission of {sup 248}Cm with the EUROGAM spectrometer. Levels with spins up to 12{h_bar} have been observed and {gamma} branching obtained. The data can be satisfactorily described when {sup 104,108}Mo are considered as axially symmetric nuclei: in {sup 104}Mo, rotational bands based on the ground state, the one-phonon and the two-phonon {gamma}-vibrational states and a quasiparticle state have been observed, whereas in {sup 108}Mo the information is limited to the yrast band and the one phonon {gamma} band. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

We report on Coulomb dissociation experiments utilizing a 208 Pb-beam (641 MeV/nucleon) impinging on C, Sn, Ho, Pb and U targets. Excitation energy distributions for 208 Pb are extracted from an exclusive measurement of the projectile decay products. The measured cross section is dominated for heavy targets by Coulomb excitation of giant resonance states in lead. A thorough analysis yields evidence for the excitation of the double-phonon giant dipole resonance. In contrast to earlier results obtained for other nuclei the extracted cross section for 208 Pb exceeds that of theoretical predictions on the basis of a harmonic oscillator scenario only slightly by about a factor 1.3.

Rotational bands based on two-quasi-neutron excitations have been observed for the first time in neutron-rich isotopes. The bandhead excitation energies have been used within the BCS model to determine the strength {ital G} of the neutron pairing interaction. Values of {ital G}=0.21 and 0.19 MeV have been obtained for {sup 100}Zr and {sup 102}Zr, respectively. For these neutron-rich nuclei the strength {ital G} is thus close to 20/{ital A} MeV, smaller than the value 23/{ital A} MeV used to describe even-even nuclei near stability in this region.

Triple angular correlations between γ rays following spontaneous fission of 248 Cm are studied using the EUROGAM array. Results, for transitions in even-even fission-product nuclei, agree with predictions of angular correlation theory. Efficient detector systems combined with new analysis techniques offer for the first time a convenient tool to determine multipolarities of prompt γ transitions in the fission-product nuclei.

The neutron-rich ${}^{106}$Mo nucleus has been studied by prompt \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray spectroscopy following the spontaneous fission of ${}^{248}$Cm. The characteristics of the rotational band built on a state at 1435 keV identifies the band head as the best candidate for a harmonic double-phonon ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}4}^{+}$ \ensuremath{\gamma}-vibrational state observed so far.

We investigate the beam energy dependence of neutron and proton squeeze-out in collisions of197Au+197Au atE/A=400—800 MeV. The azimuthal anisotropy that describes the enhanced emission of mid-rapidity neutrons perpendicular to the reaction plane rises strongly with the transverse momentum of the neutrons. This dependence of the azimuthal anisotropy follows a universal curve — independent of beam energy — if the neutron momenta are measured in fractions of the projectile momentum per mass unit. Analogously, the kinetic energy spectra of mid-rapidity neutrons exhibit a universal behaviour as a function of the kinetic energy of the projectile.

We present data on collective flow of neutrons in collisons of [sup 197]Au + [sup 197]Au at 400 MeV/nucleon. The azimuthal distribution about the beam axis is investigated with respect to the reaction plane as determined from light charged particles. The squeezeout'' of neutrons, perpendicular to the reaction plane, is observed for the first time. Quantitative agreement to a high level of accuracy is found between the behavior of neutrons and hydrogen ions.

g-factors of excited states in 154Dy were measured up to high spins. A method that combines the recoil-distance technique with the use of the large transient magnetic fields was applied. The measurement was sensitive only to states which were populated ≈ 13.5 ps after the nuclear reaction. Hence the influence of unobserved quasi-continuum feeding states on the measured precession angles was minimized. The results are compared with calculated g-factors. They can be explained by the neutron i 13 2 alignment in the positive- and negative-parity sequences at medium spins. They also confirm the predicted alignment of protons in the band termination region of spins I ⩾ 30kh.

The nuclear response of a medium-mass nucleus ([sup 136]Xe) to electromagnetic excitation in a near-relativistic heavy-ion collision was investigated in the reaction[sup 136]Xe(0.7[ital A] GeV)+Pb. From an exclusive measurement of the neutron decay of the excited [sup 136]Xe projectiles, strong excitations of giant resonances and, in particular, of the double isovector giant dipole resonance were identified. A resonance energy of 28.3[plus minus]0.7 MeV, a width of 6.3[plus minus]1.6 MeV, and a total cross section of 215[plus minus]50 mb were found for the double giant dipole resonance.

Nucleon transfer accompanied by Coulomb excitation was studied in the system206Pb+232Th atELab=6.4 MeV/u. Particle-particle-gamma coincidence techniques were used to identify excited states of reaction products populated through inelastic scattering and nucleon transfer reactions. The mean excitation energy was measured by means of aγ-ray energy and multiplicity filter consisting of 6 NaI detectors. Large cross sections for one-neutron and two-neutron pick-up from232Th are observed. The impact-parameter dependence of the neutron transfer is analyzed in terms of semiclassical barrier penetration models. Using realistic neutron potentials with a diffuse surface, the experimental data are in accordance with the assumption of a “cold” transfer to states near the yrast line.

We present design studies, results of test measurements, and Monte Carlo simulations which served as a basis for the realization of a large area neutron detector (LAND). It has a front area of 2m×2m and a depth of 1 m, and features a multilayer structure of passive converter and active scintillator material. The detector is subdivided in independently operating paddles which allow time-of-flight and position measurement. An energy resolution of ΔT n / T n =5.3% for a flight path of 15 m and an overall detection efficiency of ϵ ≈ 1 is anticipated for neutrons with T n ≈ 1 GeV. The operation of LAND at the SIS facility of GSI is described.

Excited levels of {sup 141}Xe, populated in spontaneous fission of {sup 248}Cm, were studied by means of prompt {gamma}-ray spectroscopy, using the EUROGAMM2 array. Level scheme of {sup 141}Xe obtained in this work shows patterns characteristic of simplex symmetry with s = +i and s = -i bands present but low value of D{sub 0} moment indicates that octupole correlations in Xe isotopes are systematically lower than in Ba nuclei.

Excited levels in 133Sn and 134Sb, populated in spontaneous fission of 248Cm, were studied by means of prompt-γ spectroscopy, using the EUROGAM 2 multidetector array. The neutron i13/2 single-particle energy has been determined for the first time in the 132Sn region. The energy of the h9/2 neutron level, proposed previously, has been confirmed.

Differential cross sections for electromagnetic fission of 238U projectiles (500 MeV/u) in C, Sn, and Pb targets are measured and analyzed in terms of single- and multiphonon giant resonance excitations as doorway states to fission. A novel experimental method exploits the linear relationship between neutron multiplicity and the primary 238U excitation energy. Multiphonon states contribute up to 20% of the cross section; a component at high excitation energies is indicated that may arise from three-phonon dipole and two-phonon GDR x GQRiv giant resonance excitations.

The excitation of the double-phonon giant dipole resonance was observed in heavy projectile nuclei impinging on targets of high nuclear charge with energies of 500‐700 MeV/nucleon. New experimental data are presented for 136 Xe and 238 U together with further analysis of earlier data on 208 Pb. Differential cross sections ds/dE* and ds/du for electromagnetic excitations were deduced. Depending on the isotope, cross sections appear to be enhanced in comparison to those expected from a purely harmonic nuclear dipole response. The cumulative effect of excitations of two-phonon states composed of one dipole and one quadrupole phonon, of predicted anharmonicities in the double-phonon dipole response, and of damping of the dipole resonance during the collision may account for the discrepancy. In addition, decay properties of two-phonon resonances were studied and compared to that of a statistical decay.

Abrasion-ablation models and the empirical EPAX parametrization of projectile fragmentation are described. Their cross section predictions are compared to recent data of the fragmentation of secondary beams of neutron-rich, unstable 19,20,21O isotopes at beam energies near 600 MeV/nucleon as well as data for stable 17,18O beams.

An experiment was performed to study the collective properties of neutron-rich Ni, Zn, Ge, and Se isotopes. Of particular interest is the vicinity of the N = 50 and Z = 28 shell closures. For most neutron-rich nuclei in this region of the chart of nuclei the B(E2) values of the transitions from the ground to the first excited 2+ states are unknown. This information would give valuable insight into the changes in nuclear structure when going to more neutron-rich nuclei.

The dipole response of neutron-rich nuclei in the mass range from A = 10 to A = 22 and with mass to charge ratios of 2.5 to 2.8 has been invesitigated experimentally utilizing electromagnetic excitation in heavy-ion collisions at beam energies around 600 MeV/u.

Fragmentation of secondary beams of neutron-rich, unstable ${}^{19,20,21}\mathrm{O}$ isotopes at beam energies near 600 MeV/nucleon was studied by measuring the production cross sections for carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen fragments. Data for stable ${}^{17,18}\mathrm{O}$ beams were obtained as well. The measurements serve to illuminate the isospin dependence of the fragmentation process. The experimental results are compared to those from empirical parametrization and those from abrasion-ablation models.

The 137I nucleus, populated in the spontaneous fission of 248Cm has been studied by means of prompt γ-ray spectroscopy using the EUROGAM2 array. Medium-spin yrast excitations in 137I were observed for the first time. The experimental level scheme is compared to the shell model calculation with modified Kuo-Herling interaction. The theoretical predictions differ significantly from the experimental results, indicating that the excitation pattern in 137I deviates significantly from the shell model scheme.

The dipole response of stable and unstable neutron-rich oxygen nuclei of masses A = 17 to A = 22 has been investigated experimentally utilizing electromagnetic excitation in heavy-ion collisions at beam energies about 600 MeV/nucleon. A kinematically complete measurement of the neutron decay channel in inelastic scattering of the secondary beam projectiles from a Pb target was performed. Differential electromagnetic excitation cross sections d sigma/dE were derived up to 30 MeV excitation energy. In contrast to stable nuclei, the deduced dipole strength distribution appears to be strongly fragmented and systematically exhibits a considerable fraction of low-lying strength.

Excited states in ${}^{139}\mathrm{Te}$ were observed for the first time, using EUROGAM2 multidetector array to measure prompt-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation following the spontaneous fission of ${}^{248}\mathrm{Cm}.$ The systematic behavior of excitation energies in the $N=87$ isotones and the multipolarity measurements suggest spin ${7/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ for the ground state and ${9/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ for the 271.0 keV level in ${}^{139}\mathrm{Te}.$ The 271.0 keV level most likely corresponds to the $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{9/2}$ single-particle excitation. A shape transition from spherical to prolate Te isotopes is observed at the neutron number $N=87,$ in accord with the Hartree-Fock plus BCS, PES calculations. Predictions for excitations in the ${}^{137}\mathrm{Sn}$ nucleus are made based on the extended systematics obtained for the $N=87$ isotones.

Excited states in the nucleus {sup 133}Sb, populated in spontaneous fission of {sup 248}Cm, were studied with EUROGAM2. Medium-spin structure, described as the {nu}(f{sub 7/2}h{sub 11/2}{sup -1}) multiplet of the {sup 132}Sn core coupled to the odd proton in the g{sub 7/2} orbital, has been identified in this nucleus. Levels corresponding to the octupole excitations of the {sup 132}Sn core were also identified. Some uncertainties concerning isomeric decays in {sup 133}Sb, observed in previous works, have been resolved. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

Excited states in ${}^{137}\mathrm{Te},$ populated in spontaneous fission of ${}^{248}\mathrm{Cm},$ were studied by means of prompt-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectroscopy, using the EUROGAM2 multidetector array. This is the first observation of excited states in ${}^{137}\mathrm{Te}.$ The yrast excitations of ${}^{137}\mathrm{Te}$ are due to the three valence neutrons, occupying the $\ensuremath{\nu}{f}_{7/2}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{9/2}$ orbitals, similarly as observed in its heavier $N=85$ isotones. Systematic comparison of excited levels in the $N=85$ isotones shows inconsistencies in spin and parity assignments in ${}^{139}\mathrm{Xe}$ and ${}^{141}\mathrm{Ba}$ nuclei. The new data for ${}^{137}\mathrm{Te}$ do not confirm earlier suggestions that octupole correlations increase in the $N=85$ isotones, close to the $Z=50$ closed shell.

Excited states in the neutron-rich, N=84 nuclei 134Sn, 136Te and 138Xe, populated in the spontaneous fission of 248Cm, were studied to medium spins using the EUROGAM2 array. OXBASH code calculations support the experimental identification of maximum aligned configurations in these isotopes. Empirical shell model calculations agree with the proposed excitation energy of the neutron h9/2 excitation in the 132Sn region. A discrepancy between the observed and calculated excitation energy of the Iπ= 12+ level in 136Te indicates possible admixtures of collective excitations in this nucleus. Clear signs of collective excitations are observed in 138Xe.

Neutron-rich, 88-94Kr nuclei, populated in spontaneous fission of 248Cm, have been studied with EUROGAM 2, by measuring prompt γ-rays. Many new excited states in even-even Kr isotopes have been identified. For the first time spins and parities were determined experimentally in these nuclei. Our results indicate that the quadrupole deformation of Kr isotopes will appear only above N = 58, as observed in Sr and Zr nuclei. The newly found 3- level at 1506.4 keV in 90Kr suggests the exsistence of a new region of increased octupole correlations, probably associated with the ν(d 5/2 h 11/2) pair of Δl = Δj = 3 orbitals.

The very neutron-rich nucleus 138Te produced in the spontaneous fission of 248Cm has been investigated using the EUROGAM II γ-ray multidetector array. The excited states of 138Te observed for the first time indicate that the region of ground state deformation beyond the doubly magic nucleus 132Sn has yet not been reached.

Excited levels in 139Cs, populated in spontaneous fission of 248Cm, have been studied by means of prompt gamma spectroscopy, using the EUROGAMM 2 array. New level scheme of 139Cs, different from the one proposed recently, has been established. To confirm the new scheme, additional study of 139Cs has been performed, where γ-rays following β-decay of 139Xe to 139Cs have been measured at the mass separator OSIRIS.

Prompt {gamma}-ray cascades in neutron-rich nuclei around doubly magic {sup 132}Sn have been studied at Eurogam II using a {sup 348}Cm fission source. Here they report results for the four-valence-proton N = 82 nucleus {sup 136}Xe and for its N = 83 neighbor {sup 137}Xe. For both nuclei, the yrast level spectra have been considerably extended, and empirical nucleon-nucleon interactions have been used to assign probable shell model configurations for most of the observed levels.

Neutron-rich, N=84 nuclei from the 132Sn region, populated in spontaneous fission of 248Cm, have been studied with EUROGAM 2. Excited states and their spins and parities in the 136Te nucleus were established up to 17ħ. OXBASH code calculations support the experimental identification of maximum aligned configurations in 136Te. Empirical shell model calculations for the Iπ= 14+ level in 136Te indicate that the adopted mass of the 134Te nucleus should be lowered by 200(80) keV.

Neutron-rich, odd-{ital Z} nuclei {sup 145}La and {sup 147}La populated in spontaneous fission of {sup 248}Cm were studied using the EUROGAM array. The experiment indicates the presence of similar octupole correlations in the studied La isotopes as found in the barium core nuclei. Alternating-parity structures were found in {sup 145}La, indicating enhanced octupole correlations, as observed in {sup 144}Ba, while in {sup 147}La octupole effects are weakened by alignment phenomena, as seen in the core nucleus {sup 146}Ba. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

A search for octupole deformation in neutron-rich Xe isotopes has been conducted through prompt gammaray spectroscopy of secondary fragments produced in the spontaneous fission of248Cm. The spectrometer consisted of the Eurogam 1 array and a set of 5 LEPS detectors. Level schemes were constructed for Xe isotopes with mass number ranging from 140 to 144 and excited states for143,144Xe nuclei were observed for the first time. None of the level schemes exhibit an alternating parity quasimolecular band, a feature usually expected in nuclei in which octupole correlation effects are strong enough to produce stable octupole deformation. For several isotopes, structures observed in the level schemes are consistent with an octupole softness of the nuclei.