Prolate deformation in the 187,189Bi isotopes

Prompt and delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of very neutron-deficient bismuth isotopes 187, 189Bi has been performed using the recoil decay tagging method. A rotational band has been observed in 189Bi and is interpreted as a complete decoupling of a single proton from the deformed lead core. The results for 187Bi suggest a similar structure and coupling scheme. This study gives the first evidence for a prolate band in a light bismuth nucleus and confirms the prolate character of the low-lying rotational band observed in the core nuclei 188Pb and 186Pb.