Evolution of the X(5) critical-point symmetry in rotating

Abstract

Lifetimes of excited states above 10+ in the yrast band in 176Os have been measured using the Doppler shift attenuation method, via the fusion evaporation reaction . Lifetimes of states over 12+ were measured for the first time. The deduced transitional quadruple moments (Qt), together with the previous data using a recoil distance method, are compared with theoretical calculations based on the X(5) model and the interaction boson model. For the states below spin 10+, the data of previous work support an X(5)-like structure, but for the states above 10+, the value of Qt remains almost constant, being the characteristic of a symmetric rotor. The present result suggests that the shape of the nucleus 176Os changes from X(5) critical-point symmetry to an axially deformed rotor with increasing spin.