Multiple band structures in 191Hg

Abstract The level structure of the nucleus 191 Hg has been considerably extended from previous studies by using the 160 Gd( 36 S, 5n) reaction in conjunction with an array of Compton-suppressed germanium detectors. A series of 13 different level sequences has been established in addition to three superdeformed bands. A majority of the band structures can be understood in cranked shell model calculations assuming an oblate collective nuclear shape. There is some evidence for the onset of triaxiality. Finally, two bands of single-particle character have been found. They are interpreted as being associated with a prolate non-collective shape ( γ = −120°).