Triaxial deformation and nuclear shape transition in Au-192

WOS:000310970300002 Background: Nuclei in the A approximate to 190 mass region show gradual shape changes from prolate through nonaxial deformed shapes and ultimately towards spherical shapes as the Pb region is approached. Exploring how this shape evolution occurs will help us understand the evolution of collectivity in this region. Purpose: The level scheme of the (192)Aunucleus in A approximate to 190 region was studied in order to deduce its deformations. Methods: High-spin states of Au-192 have been populated in the W-186(B-11, 5n) reaction at a beam energy of 68 MeV and their gamma decay was studied using the YRAST Ball detector array at the Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory (WNSL), Yale University. Results: Based on double and triple gamma-ray coincidence data the level scheme of 192Au has been extended up to I-pi = 32(+) at an excitation energy of similar to 6 MeV. Conclusion: The results are discussed in the framework of pairing and deformation self-consistent total Routhian surface (TRS) and cranked shell model (CSM) calculations. The comparison of the experimental observations with the calculations indicates that this nucleus takes a nonaxial shape similar to other Au nuclei in this region.