Evidence for large angular momentum induced deformations of 59Cu

Abstract The α -particle spectra observed in coincidence with evaporation residues of 59 Cu nuclei produced in the fusion of 214 MeV 32 S with 27 Al deviate at both high and low particle energies from the spectra calculated for spherical nuclei. The observed differences suggest large angular momentum induced deformations comparable to those predicted by rotating liquid drop model calculations.