High-K multiquasiparticle configurations and limiting moments of inertia in W-178 - art. no. 064301

Three new high-K multiquasiparticle intrinsic states, K-pi = (29(+)), K-pi = 30(+), and K-pi =(34(+)), have been assigned in W-178. The configurations of these states are based on ten, eight, and ten, unpaired nucleons, respe ctively, and they represent the highest-seniority intrinsic K states observ ed no date. The gamma-ray intensity branching ratios and associated \g(K)-g (R)\ values have been used to contribute to the specifications of the under lying single-particle configurations of the states. Configuration-constrain ed potential energy surface calculations indicate that the nucleus retains stably deformed axially symmetric shapes. This evidence, coupled with the e xperimental gamma-ray decay rates, suggests that K remains a good quantum n umber in these highest-seniority intrinsic state configurations. The aligne d angular moments of the K-pi = (29(+)), K-pi = 30(+), and K-pi = (34(+)) b ands are observed to be lower than those of the other eight quasiparticle, K-pi = 25(+) and K-pi = 28(-) bands in W-178. These differences are interpr eted as the effects of reduced pairing due to blocking by the constituent p articles. While the dynamic moments of inertia are similar, they remain sub stantially less than those of a classical rigid rotor, apparently saturatin g at a value of about 56 (h) over bar(2) MeV-1. [S0556-2813(99)03611-0].