Gamma-ray spectroscopy of high spin states near N = Z in the f(7/2) shell

Two pairs of mirror-nuclei, Mn-49(25)/Cr-49(24) and Cr-47(24)/V-47(23), and the odd-odd N = Z nucleus V-46(23) have been studied up to the f(7/2)-shel l band termination states. Differences in energy between isobaric analogue states in these nuclei have been measured and interpreted in terms of Coulo mb effects. Through this work, we have shown that Coulomb energies are extr emely sensitive to nuclear effects such as particle alignments, band termin ations and shape changes. This has allowed us to investigate the extent to which the Coulomb energy can be used as a probe of the nuclear structure.