Evolution of E2 strength in the rare-earth isotopes Hf174,176,178,180

Mean lifetimes of yrast states of the isotopes 174,176,178,180Hf have been measured using fast- electronic scintillation timing. Excited states of 74,176,178Hf were populated via β decay, while 180Hf was populated via Coulomb excitation. The lifetimes of the 2+ 1 and 4+ 1 states of all isotopes and the lifetimes of the 6+ 1 states of 174,178Hf were measured, using the slope and the centroid shift methods. The mean lifetime, τ (4+ 1 ) = 85(13) ps, of 178Hf has been determined for the first time. In addition, the mean lifetimes of the 2− 1 and the 3− 1 states of 176Hf have been determined. Systematic uncertainties on the evolution of data as a function of neutron number were reduced by using the same setup for all the isotopes of interest. The data are in agreement with other recent lifetime measurements where available and shows a shift of the maximum of collectivity for the Hf isotopic chain from neutron midshell at N = 104 to N = 100.