Heavy-ion In-beam Studies of the Nucleus 87Nb

High spin states in the transitional nucleus Nb-87 up to 14 MeV excitation have been established for the first time via the reactions Ca-40(Cr-50, 3p)Nb-87 and Ni-58(S-32, 3p)Nb-87. The Nb-87 gamma-radiations have been identified through gamma-ray spectra taken in coincidence with the evaporation residues detected in the Daresbury recoil separator or with multiple proton emission. Gamma-gamma coincidences, DCO ratios, gamma-ray angular distributions and lifetimes have been measured. A total of some 100 transitions have been placed into a level scheme comprising of sixty states. The one-quasiparticle (1qp) bands of either parity and several other band-like structures have been identified, some containing aligned g9/2 nucleons. Moderately enhanced E2 in-band transitions of 13-48 W.u. as well as several weak E2 yrast transitions connecting bands with different quasiparticle numbers have been found. Similarities with respect to the N = 46 isotones Rb-83, Sr-84, Y-85, Zr-86 and 88Mo are discussed. PACS: 21.10.R; 23.20.ck; 27.50. + e (Less)