Triaxial superdeformed and normal-deformed high-spin band structures in 170Hf

The high-spin structure of 170Hf was investigated using the EUROBALL spectrometer. The previously known level scheme was extended in the low-spin region as well as to higher spins, and several new bands were discovered. In particular, two bands were identified which show the characteristics of triaxial superdeformation. One of these bands is strongly populated, and its excitation energy and spins are established. Configuration assignments are made to the normal-deformed bands based on comparisons of their properties with cranked shell model calculations. The results for the very high spin states provide important input for such calculations.