Shape trends and triaxiality in neutron-rich odd-mass Y and Nb isotopes

Abstract

New level schemes of odd-Z 99,101Y (Z = 39) and 101,105Nb (Z = 41) are established based on the measurement of prompt gamma rays from the fission of 252Cf at Gammasphere. Bands of π5/2+[422], π5/2−[303] and π3/2−[301] are observed and extended to provide spectroscopic information concerning nuclear shapes in this important odd-Z region. In combination with the level structure of the odd-Z Tc (Z = 43), Rh (Z = 45) and the neighbouring even-Z isotopes the level systematics, signature splittings and kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia of the bands in the Y and Nb isotopes are discussed in terms of shape transition and triaxiality. The pronounced difference observed in the signature splittings between Y and Tc, Rh isotopes is interpreted as evidence of the axially symmetric deformed shape in the Y isotopes, and, as previously reported, large and near maximum triaxiality in Tc–Rh isotopes. The likely lowering of crossing frequencies of the ground-state bands in Tc and Rh isotones in comparison with those in Y isotones also implies a shape transition from axially symmetric deformed shapes in Y nuclei to triaxiality in Tc and Rh isotones. Triaxial-rotor-plus-particle model calculations strongly support a pure axially symmetric shape with large quadrupole deformation in Y isotopes. The model calculations yielded γ values ranging from −19° to −13° for the 5/2+[422] ground-state bands of 101,103,105Nb and of −5° for the two negative-parity bands in 101Nb. The fact that Nb isotopes have intermediate values of signature splitting and band crossing frequencies between those of Y and Tc, Rh isotopes is interpreted as that the Nb isotopes are transitional nuclei with regard to triaxial deformation. A correlation of quadrupole deformations and of triaxiality is seen in the neutron-rich nuclei with Z = 39–45.