High-fold gamma-ray spectroscopy of Xe-117

High-spin states have been populated in Xe-117(54) via the Zr-90(P-31, p3n) reaction at 150 MeV, using the EUROGAM II gamma-ray spectrometer to record high-fold y-ray coincidences. Although Xe-117 accounts for only 20% of the total fusion cross-section, a high-fold (gamma(4)) analysis of this weak c hannel has significantly extended the level scheme. In particular, the nu h (11/2) yrast band has been extended to I-pi = (91/2(-)) and shows features which are consistent with those of smooth band termination at high spin. Th e high-spin behaviour of Xe-117 is discussed within the framework of cranke d Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations. In addition, measured B(E1) strengths ar e discussed in terms of possible octupole correlations in this mass region. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.