Low-energy states in the odd-odd 126I nucleus produced by the (p, n) reaction

Abstract

Gamma spectra produced in the 126Te(p, n) 126I reaction were taken as a function of proton bombarding energy E p = 2.9 MeV to 6.0 MeV. A level scheme composed of 52 excited states was constructed on the basis of singles γ-spectra and extensive γ-γ coincidence measurements. The coincidence measurements were carried out utilizing a three-parameter Ge(Li)-Ge(Li) timing system. Angular distribution measurements combined with the results from the coincidence counting rates enable some spin and parity assignments to be made. The mean lifetime of the first three excited states 56.45, 110.84 and 122.2keV were determined, respectively, as 23(2), 81(4) and 19.5(15) ns. The structure of the states was discussed on the basis of a de-excitation mode comparison with the corresponding levels in the neighbouring odd-odd 128I and 124I nuclei.