High spin states in {sup 68}As: Experiment and theory

High spin states in {sup 68}As have been studied using the {sup 56}Fe({sup 14}N,2{ital n}){sup 68}As, {sup 58}Ni ({sup 12}C,{ital pn}){sup 68}As, and {sup 46}Ti({sup 25} Mg,{ital p}2{ital n}){sup 68}As reactions. New high spin states have been observed including a band structure above the known 2160 keV isomeric state. A microscopic description based on the EXCITED VAMPIR model for negative and positive parity states in {sup 68}As is presented. A possible mechanism to populate the observed high spin isomeric state is proposed. The complex structure of the {sup 68}As nucleus is caused essentially by specific shape coexistence effects. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}