K isomers as probes of nuclear structure

Abstract

K isomers are studied in Pu and Cm isotopes, and also in Hf and W nuclei. Many high-K states, several of which are isomeric, are identified. Lifetime measurements spanning the ns-s range have been performed, and decay paths of isomers established. Rotational bands built on high-K states are also identified in many cases. Isomer decays are considerably hindered in many instances, both in the A≈180 and 250 regions indicating that K is an approximately conserved quantum number. High-K states become the favored excitation mode at high spins in the A≈180 region. The energies of the 2-quasiparticle high-K states in Cm isotopes suggest the presence of a deformed subshell gap at N=152.