Spectroscopy of N = Z nuclei from /sup 64//sub 32/Ge towards /sup 100//sub 50/Sn

The gamma decay of low-lying states in the N = Z nuclei /sup 64//sub 32/Ge, /sup 68//sub 34/Se, /sup 72//sub 36/Kr, /sup 76//sub 38/Sr and /sup 80//sub 40/Zr have been studied using the Daresbury Recoil Separator operated in coincidence with an array of Compton Suppressed Ge detectors. The nuclei were produced in inverse heavy ion reactions using /sup 54/Fe and /sup 58/Ni beams and were populated via 2n decay channels. Production cross sections decreased from 500 ..mu..b to 10 ..mu..b across the region. Abrupt shape changes were found to occur along the N = Z line. The sensitivity of the method is discussed and the implications of the results on nuclear structure calculations. The prospects of advancing towards doubly magic /sup 100/Sn are considered.