We report on the precise mass measurement of the 173Hf isotope performed
at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility using the JYFLTRAP double
Penning trap mass spectrometer. The new mass-excess value, ME=−55390.8(30)~keV, is in agreement with the literature while being nine times
more precise. The newly determined 173Hf electron-capture Q value,
QEC​=1490.2(34)~keV, allows us to firmly reject the population of an
excited state at 1578 keV in 173Lu and 11 transitions tentatively assigned
to the decay of 173Hf. Our refined mass value of 173Hf reduces
mass-related uncertainties in the reaction rate of
174Hf(γ,n)173Hf. Thus, the rate for the main photodisintegration
destruction channel of the p nuclide 174Hf in the relevant temperature
region for the γ process is better constrained.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure