Observation of a vh{sub 11/2} pair alignment in neutron-rich {sup 118}Pd

The yrast band was significantly extended to 14{sup +} and the {gamma} band to 5{sup +} in neutron-rich {sup 118}Pd by measuring the {gamma}-{gamma}-{gamma} coincidences emitted from the spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf with Gammasphere. The first band crossing was observed in the yrast band in {sup 118}Pd at a frequency of {Dirac_h}{omega}{approx}0.36 MeV at the starting point of the backbending, which is similar to that found in {sup 112-116}Pd. The first bandbending in the yrast cascade in {sup 118}Pd is interpreted to be built on a two h{sub 11/2} neutron configuration based on its similarity to the yrast bands in even-even {sup 112-116}Pd. Our result indicates {sup 118}Pd still maintains a prolate shape. The quasineutron Routhian calculations indicate a lower crossing frequency for the h{sub 11/2} level.