Identification of high spin states in neutron-rich {sup 113,115,117}Pd nuclei

New band structures in the neutron-rich {sup 113,115,117}Pd nuclei have been constructed by measuring the {gamma}-{gamma}-{gamma} coincidences emitted from the spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf with GAMMASPHERE. The triple {gamma}-ray coincidence data revealed new negative-parity bands built on 11/2{sup -} isomeric states in {sup 113,115,117}Pd. These bands built on the {nu}h{sub 11/2} orbital suggest a band crossing at a frequency of ((Planck constant)/2{pi}){omega}{approx_equal}0.45 MeV. The rotational behavior and energy level spacings of these bands suggest a prolate shape. Two previously unreported bands are also observed in {sup 113,115}Pd and tentatively assigned positive parity. These have band crossings at 0.25 and 0.32 MeV. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.