High-Kthree-quasiparticle rotational bands in171Hf

High-spin states have been populated in {sup 171}Hf with the {sup 48}Ca+{sup 128}Te reaction at 200 MeV. A three-quasiparticle strongly coupled rotational band has been established in {sup 171}Hf which is built upon the known K{sup {pi}}=19/2{sup +}, 6.2 ns, isomeric state. In addition the strongly coupled band built upon the K{sup {pi}}=23/2{sup {minus}}, 18 ns, isomeric state in {sup 171}Hf has been extended to higher excitation energy. (g{sub K}{minus}g{sub R})/Q{sub 0} values, determined from the ({Delta}I=1)/({Delta}I=2) branching ratios, have been used in combination with the aligned angular momentum to confirm the configuration assignments for each band. Three new {gamma}-ray transitions have also been established in {sup 171}Hf which link the K{sup {pi}}=19/2{sup +}, 6.2 ns, isomeric bandhead state directly into the yrast states. The reduced hindrance factors for these decays are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}