Multi-quasiparticle structures up to spin $\sim{44}\hbar$ in the odd-odd nucleus $^{168}$Ta

TL;DR

This study investigates high-spin multi-quasiparticle structures in $^{168}$Ta, revealing new band crossings and rotational behaviors, and compares these findings with neighboring nuclei using the cranked shell model.

Contribution

It extends the understanding of multi-quasiparticle structures in $^{168}$Ta up to high spins and identifies new band crossings and rotational alignment phenomena.

Findings

Extended multi-quasiparticle structures above 40ħ

First observation of a second band crossing in $^{168}$Ta

Full delineation of the first rotational alignment

Abstract

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus $^{168}$Ta have been populated in the $^{120}$Sn($^{51}$V,3n) reaction. Two multi-quasiparticle structures have been extended significantly from spin $\sim{20\hbar}$ to above ${40\hbar}$. As a result, the first rotational alignment has been fully delineated and a second band crossing has been observed for the first time in this nucleus. Configurations for these strongly-coupled rotational bands are proposed based on signature splitting, $B(M1)/B(E2)$ ratio information, and observed rotation-alignment behavior. Properties of the observed bands in $^{168}$Ta are compared to related structures in the neighboring odd-$Z$, odd-$N$, and odd-odd nuclei and are discussed within the framework of the cranked shell model.