Structure Of Multi-Quasiparticle Isomers In The Region Of 177Lu.

High-K states in the region of 177Lu have been studied using multi-nucleon transfer reactions with 136Xe beams and Gammasphere. Results include identification of the predicted 5-quasiparticle Kπ = 39/2 - isomer in 177Lu, a 7-quasiparticle Kπ = 49/2 + isomer in 179Ta with an anomalously fast decay, and numerous other examples in a range of Yb close to stability. The results are discussed in the context of the expectations for multi-quasiparticle states near Z = 72 and the factors which may both govern isomer formation and also give an insight into K-purity, specifically chance degeneracies, and statistical mixing above the yrast line. © 2005 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]