Structure of the Odd-A, Shell-Stabilized Nucleus {sub 102}{sup 253}No

In-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopic measurements have been made on {sub 102}{sup 253}No. A single rotational band was identified up to a probable spin of 39/2({Dirac_h}/2{pi}), which is assigned to the 7/2{sup +}[624] Nilsson configuration. The bandhead energy and the moment of inertia provide discriminating tests of contemporary models of the heaviest nuclei. Novel methods were required to interpret the sparse data set associated with cross sections of around 50 nb. These methods included comparisons of experimental and simulated spectra, as well as testing for evidence of a rotational band in the {gamma}{gamma} matrix.