Shape coexistence in the very neutron-rich odd-odd $^{96}Rb$

Abstract

Microsecond isomers of neutron-rich nuclei in the masses A=96 and 98 were reinvestigated at the ILL reactor (Grenoble). These nuclei were produced by thermal-neutron induced fission of $^{241}$Pu. The detection is based on time correlation between fission fragments selected by the Lohengrin mass spectrometer, and the $\gamma$ rays and conversion electrons from the isomers. A new level scheme of $^{96}$Rb is proposed. We have found that the ground state and low-lying levels of this nucleus are rather spherical, while a rotational band develops at 461 keV energy. This bans has properties consistent with a $\pi[431 3/2] x \nu[541 3/2]K = 3^-$ Nilsson assignment and a deformation $\beta_2 > 0.28$. It is fed by a $10^-$ microsecond isomer consistent with a $\pi(g_{9/2})\nu(h_{11/2})$ sperical configuration. It is interesting to note that the same unique-parity states $\pi(g_{9/2})$ and $\nu(h_{11/2})$ are present in the same nucleus in a deformed and in a spherical configuration. The neighbouring odd-odd nucleus $^{98}$Y presents a strong analogy with $^{96}$Rb and is also discussed