Evidence for the coexistence of spherical and deformed states in38Ar

Abstract

The38Ar levels at Ex=5350, 7289 and 9341 keV have been investigated using the35Cl(α,pγ) reaction at Eα=l4 and 14.5 MeV. From particle-γ-ray angular correlations the spin assignments J(5350)=4, J(7289)=6,4 and J(9341)=8,6,4 have been obtained. Life-time measurements using the Doppler-shift attenuation method yielded τ(9341)=106±25 fs and τ(7289)=77±30 fs, while the lifetime τ(5350)=200±50 fs was known previously. All levels have positive parity and decay by enhanced E2 transitions. Hence we propose that they are the Jπ=4+, 6+ and 8+ members, respectively, of a Kπ=0+ rotational band which has the Ex=3377keV, Jπ=0+ and the 3937 keV, Jπ=2+ levels as further members. The enhancement of inband E2 transitions is 30−6+10 W.u. (4→2), 35−14+30 W.u. (6→4) and 20–36 W.u. (8 → 6), respectively, yielding an average intrinsic quadrupole moment Q0=850−125+200 mb. The moment of inertia is given by h22θ=92 keV. The present data are in good agreement with the predictions of a deformed state in38Ar that coexists with the spherical states.