A neutron decoupled from a rotating odd core in 114Sb and 116Sb

Abstract The 113, 115 In(α, 3nγ) 114, 116 Sb reactions have been studied using γ-ray spectroscopic techniques. The experiments included γ-ray excitation function, γ-γ coincidence, lifetime, γ-ray angular distribution and conversion electron measurements. A ΔJ = 1 rotational band has been observed in either of the 114, 116 Sb final nuclei. Energy spacings and electromagnetic properties of the band show strong resemblances with those of rotational bands in the adjacent odd-mass Sb nuclei. In addition two-quasiparticle and two-quasiparticle core coupled states have been observed in these nuclei. One isomer was identified in 116 Sb, i.e. a J π = 11 + state at 1889 keV ( T 1 2 = 4.0±0.1 ns ). A simple model is proposed which explains the ΔJ = 1 band in terms of rotational alignment of the h 11 2 neutron with the deformed rotating odd- A core.