Observation of a vh(11/2) pair alignment in neutron-rich Pd-118 - art. no.027302

The yrast band was significantly extended to 14(+) and the gamma band to 5( +) in neutron-rich Pd-118 by measuring the gamma-gamma-gamma coincidences e mitted from the spontaneous fission of Cf-252 with Gammasphere. The first b and crossing was observed in the yrast band in Pd-118 at a frequency of (h) over bar omega approximate to 0.36 MeV at the starting point of the backbe nding. which is similar to that found in Pd112-116. The first bandbending i n the yrast cascade in Pd-118 is interpreted to be built on a two h(11/2) n eutron configuration based on its similarity to the yrast bands in even-eve n Pd112-116. Our result indicates Pd-118 still maintains a prolate shape. T he quasineutron Routhian calculations indicate a lower crossing frequency f or the h(11/2) level.