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New transitions in neutron-rich Y100 have been identified in a Be9+U238 experiment with mass and Z gates to provide full fragment identification. These transitions and high spin levels of Y100 have been investigated by analyzing the high statistics γ-γ-γ and γ-γ-γ-γ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of Cf252 at the Gammasphere detector array. Two new bands, 14 new levels, and 23 new transitions have been identified. The Kπ=4+ new band decaying to a 1s isomeric state is assigned to be the high-K Gallagher-Moszkowski (GM) partner of the known Kπ=1+ band, with the π5/2[522] - ν3/2[411] configuration. This 4+ band is also proposed to be the pseudospin partner of the new Kπ=5+ band with a 5+π5/2[422] - ν5/2[413] configuration, to form a π5/2[422] - ν[3125/2,3/2] neutron pseudospin doublet. Constrained triaxial covariant density-functional theory and quantal particle rotor model calculations have been applied to interpret the band structure and available electromagnetic transition probabilities and are found to be in good agreement with experimental values.

New transitions in neutron rich $^{100}$Y have been identified in a $^9$Be+$^{238}$U experiment with mass- and Z- gates to provide full fragment identification. These transitions and high spin levels of $^{100}$Y have been investigated by analyzing the high statistics $\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ and $\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf at the Gammasphere detector array. Two new bands, 14 new levels and 23 new transitions have been identified. The $K^{\pi}=4^+$ new band decaying to an 1s isomeric state is assigned to be the high-$K$ Gallagher-Moszkowski (GM) partner of the known $K^{\pi}=1^+$ band, with the $\pi 5/2[522] \otimes \nu 3/2[411]$ configuration. This 4$^+$ band is also proposed to be the pseudo spin partner of the new $K^{\pi}=5^+$ band with a 5$^{+}$ $\pi 5/2[422] \otimes \nu 5/2[413]$ configuration, to form a $\pi 5/2[422] \otimes \nu [312$ $5/2,3/2]$ neutron pseudospin doublet. Constrained triaxial covariant density functional theory and quantal particle rotor model calculations have been applied to interpret the band structure and available electromagnetic transition probabilities and are found in good agreement with experimental values.

Background: A puzzle has arisen recently caused by the apparent shift in maximum deformation from the expected $^{66}\mathrm{Dy}$ isotopic chain to the ${}_{60}\mathrm{Nd}$ isotopic chain in the $82lNl126$ and $50lZl82$ midshell region.Purpose: This work provides data for two specific nuclei with odd neutron numbers, $^{155}\mathrm{Nd}$ and $^{163}\mathrm{Gd}$, useful for constraining parameters in models that seek to answer the six proton shift in maximum deformation.Method: Data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ were taken by the Gammasphere detector array at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to observe the excited states of $^{155}\mathrm{Nd}$ and $^{163}\mathrm{Gd}$.Results: The structure of $^{163}\mathrm{Gd}$ has been expanded with the addition of two new levels and three new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays, which are found to be consistent with previously published calculations and the structure of $^{165}\mathrm{Dy}$. In $^{155}\mathrm{Nd}$, nine new levels and 12 new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays are observed. The spins and parities of the previously known levels in $^{155}\mathrm{Nd}$ have been reassigned from a $\ensuremath{\nu}3/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}[521]$ ground state configuration to a $\ensuremath{\nu}5/{2}^{+}[642]$ isomeric configuration by comparison of these newly observed levels with levels in $^{153}\mathrm{Nd}$ and $^{155}\mathrm{Sm}$.Conclusion: Further experimentation is required to determine the energy of the newly reassigned $\ensuremath{\nu}5/{2}^{+}[642]$ level in $^{155}\mathrm{Nd}$ with respect to the suspected $\ensuremath{\nu}3/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}[521]$ ground state. Additionally, more experiments should be conducted to further determine the structure of neutron rich nuclei, rarely produced in the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$, such as $^{163}\mathrm{Gd}$.

From γ-γ-γ and γ-γ-γ-γ coincidence studies of spontaneous fission of 252Cf, new high spin states in 148Ce were identified. The octupole bands with s = + 1 and s = − 1 are expanded with spins with 28+ and 18−, respectively. Importantly, a 1γ vibrational band has been established up to 14+ and a 1β vibrational band up to 6+. The levels in γ and β bands in 148Ce are compared systematically to those in neighboring 150Nd and 152Sm isotones. This comparison informs the role of deformation and shape transition in this mass region. New 3− and 5− members of the s = + 1 octupole band were observed.

Level structures in the neutron-rich ^{144}Ba nucleus have been reinvestigated by measuring prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of ^{252}Cf. The previous s=+1 octupole band structure with reflection asymmetric shape has been expanded, and a side quadrupole band structure based on a 3^{+} state with reflection symmetric shape is identified. Thus, the results show the coexistence of reflection asymmetric and symmetric shapes in ^{144}Ba. This is a first identification of such a shape coexistence structure in a nuclear structure. The other structural characteristics are discussed.

We reinvestigated the neutron multiplicity yields of Ba-Mo, Ce-Zr, Te-Pd, and Nd-Sr from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ by (i) using both $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence data, (ii) using up to date level scheme structures, and (iii) crosschecking analogous energy transitions in multiple isotopes, we have achieved higher precision than previous analyses. Particular attention was given to the Ba-Mo pairs where our results clearly confirm that the Ba-Mo yield data have a second hot fission mode where 8--10, and now 11 neutron evaporation channels are observed. These are the first observations of the 11 neutron channel. These 8--11 neutron channels are observed for the first time in the Ce-Zr pairs, but are not observed in other fission pairs. The measured intensities of the second mode in Ba-Mo and Ce-Zr pairs are $\ensuremath{\sim}1.5(4)%$ and $\ensuremath{\sim}1.0(3)%$, respectively. These high neutron number evaporation modes can be an indication of hyperdeformation and/or octupole deformation in $^{143--145}\mathrm{Ba}$ and in $^{146,148}\mathrm{Ce}$ at scission to give rise to such high neutron multiplicities.

Level structures in the neutron-rich ^{144}Ba nucleus have been reinvestigated by measuring prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of ^{252}Cf. The previous s=+1 octupole band structure with reflection asymmetric shape has been expanded, and a side quadrupole band structure based on a 3^{+} state with reflection symmetric shape is identified. Thus, the results show the coexistence of reflection asymmetric and symmetric shapes in ^{144}Ba. This is a first identification of such a shape coexistence structure in a nuclear structure. The other structural characteristics are discussed.

High spin band structures of neutron-rich $^{152--158}\mathrm{Pm}$ isotopes have been obtained from the measurement of prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays of isotopically identified fragments produced in fission of $^{238}\mathrm{U}+^{9}\mathrm{Be}$ and detected using the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer and EXOGAM segmented Clover array at GANIL and also from the high statistics $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ using Gammasphere. The excited states in $^{157}\mathrm{Pm}$ and those above the isomers in even-$A$ Pm isotopes $^{152,154,156,158}\mathrm{Pm}$ have been identified for the first time. The spectroscopic information on the rotational band structures in odd-$A$ Pm isotopes has been extended considerably to higher spins and the possibility of the presence of reflection asymmetric shapes is explored. The configuration assignments are based on the results of cranked relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculations. From the systematics of bands in odd-$A$ Pm isotopes and weak population of opposite parity bands, octupole deformed shapes in neutron-rich Pm isotopes beyond $N=90$ seem unlikely to be present.

E2/M1 mixing ratios have been measured for transitions from states in the $\gamma$ vibrational bands ( $ I^{+}_{\gamma}$ ) to states in the ground state bands ( $I^{+}$ or $ [I-1]^{+}$ ) of the neutron rich, even-even, deformed isotopes, 102, 104, 106, 108Mo, 108, 110, 112Ru, and 112, 114, 116Pd, including from states as high as $ 9^{+}_{\gamma}$ . These measurements were done using the GAMMASPHERE detector array, which, at the time of the experiment, had 101 working HPGe detectors, arranged at 64 different angles. A 62 $\mu$ Ci source of 252Cf was placed inside GAMMASPHERE yielding $5.7\times 10^{11}$ $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ and higher coincidence events. The angular correlations between the transitions from the $\gamma$ -bands to the ground bands, and the pure E2 transitions within the ground band were then measured. These angular correlations yielded the mixing ratios, demonstrating that these transitions are pure or nearly pure E2, in agreement with theory. In order to correct for possible attenuation due to the lifetime of the intermediate state in these correlations, the g-factors of the intermediate states needed to be known. Therefore, the g-factors of the 2+ states in the ground state band have been measured.

High spin states of neutron-rich 146,147La have been reinvestigated by $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $ \gamma$ and $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ - $\gamma$ coincidence data from a 252Cf spontaneous fission experiment by using Gammasphere. Thirty-two new transitions in 146La are observed. Two new bands in 146La have been established. One of them is proposed to be the octupole parity partner of the previously known band. Twenty new transitions in 147La are observed. The ground state band of 147La has been established with a proposed $ 5/2^+$ band-head. Angular correlation of cascades has been used to study the spins and parities of the states. The B(E1)/B(E2) ratios and dipole moments of bands in 146, 147La have been measured.

High-spin-level schemes of $^{118,119}\mathrm{Ag}$ are established for the first time by analyzing the high statistics $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ at Gammasphere. Two bands with 12 new levels in $^{118}\mathrm{Ag}$ and three bands with 14 new levels in $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$ have been identified. A total Routhian surface calculation and projected shell model calculation have been performed to understand the behavior of these two nuclei. The calculations indicate oblate shape in $^{118,119}\mathrm{Ag}$.

Level schemes of even–even neutron-rich 88-92 Kr and 86 Se have been investigated by measuring triple-γ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The level scheme of 88 Kr has been extended up to 7169 keV state. Several new excited states with new transitions have been identified in 90,92 Kr and 86 Se . Spins and parities have been assigned to levels in these nuclei by following regional systematics and angular correlation measurements. The level structures of the N = 52, 54, Se , Kr , and Sr isotones are discussed.

The high spin states of neutron-rich 103Nb, 107Tc and 109Tc nuclei in A∼110 region have been investigated by measuring prompt γ-γ-γ coincident measurements populated with the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. In 103Nb, one-phonon K = 9/2 and two-phonon K = 13/2 γ-vibrational bands have been identified. In 107Tc and 109Tc, one-phonon K = 11/2 and two-phonon K = 15/2 γ-vibrational bands, in which the zero-phonon bands are based on K=7/2 excited states, have also been identified. The two-phonon bands are first observed in odd-Z nuclei. The characteristics for these band structures have been discussed.

The level scheme of odd-Z neutron-rich 141Cs (Z=55, N=86) was extended and expanded and that of 144Cs (N=89) was identified for the first time by means of γ–γ–γ coincidence measurements of prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with Gammasphere. Spin/parity was assigned to the levels based on angular correlations and level systematics in 141,143Cs. Parity doublets characteristic of both simplex quantum number s=+i and s=−i were proposed in 141Cs. The tests by using rotational frequency ratio ω−(I)/ω+(I) imply octupole vibrations in 141Cs and 143Cs. B(E1)/B(E2) values and electric dipole moments D0 were calculated for 141Cs, and re-determined for 143Cs. It was found that B(E1)/B(E2) values of 141Cs are simplex-dependent and the average value is one order of magnitude larger than that of 143Cs, and the deduced dipole moment D0 of 141Cs is considerably larger than that of 143Cs, and comparable to the N=86 isotone 142Ba. For 144Cs the yrast sequence looks like a well-deformed rotational band, but no octupole band structure was identified in this nucleus. The overall variations of D0 in 141,143,144Cs exhibit a pronounced drop of dipole moment with increasing neutron number in this odd-Z isotopic chain, which may be analogous in nature to the quenching of D0 observed in even–even 146Ba (Z=56, N=90) and 224Ra (Z=88, N=136), and to the drop of D0 in the odd-Z neutron-rich 147La (Z=57, N=90) reported by our collaboration.

New transitions in neutron rich [Formula: see text]Y have been identified by analyzing the high statistics [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of [Formula: see text]Cf at the Gammasphere detector array. Shell model calculations were performed and are found in good agreement with experimental data. The ground state is nearly spherical but a new excited band has large deformation.

High-spin, even-parity bands in neutron-rich 108, 110, 112 Ru nuclei were reinvestigated and considerably expanded by measuring many-fold prompt γ-ray coincidence events following the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf with Gammasphere. Our high statistics data allow us to detect weaker transitions and bands not previously published. Also, gamma branching ratios, which are important for theory, are carefully measured from all levels. In 110 Ru , we find a doubling of levels for both ground and quasi-gamma bands above the 8+ levels. There are likely two-phonon quasi-gamma bands in 110, 112 Ru , as well as a bandhead level in 108 Ru . The odd–even spin energy band staggering observed in the quasi-gamma bands in 108, 110, 112 Ru and the doubling of levels in 110 Ru present a challenge to theory.

Two similar sets of odd-parity bands are observed in each of three even–even neighbors, 108, 110, 112 Ru , from a study of prompt spontaneous-fission gamma rays at Gammasphere. A careful study of the odd-parity levels of these nuclei shows evidence for the features of chiral doubling. Comparisons are made with reported other candidates for chiral doubling.

The high-spin level schemes of odd–odd 100Nb ( Z = 41 , N = 59 ) and 148La ( Z = 57 , N = 91 ) were identified from γ – γ – γ coincidence studies of prompt γ rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf with Gammasphere. Spin/parity assignments for the levels in these two nuclei were made based on the low-lying levels assigned in decay work, on the internal conversion coefficient (ICC) measurements and the level systematics of the neighboring isotopes. A K π = 1 + deformed ground-state band was identified in 100Nb. The onset of ground-state deformation in Nb isotopes is found to take place at N = 59 , in contrast to N = 60 for Sr ( Z = 38 ), Y ( Z = 39 ) and Zr ( Z = 40 ) isotopes. Unlike the observation in 99Nb, the N = 56 subshell closure seems to be no longer dominant in 100Nb. The bands observed in 148La are interpreted as aligned coupling of [ π h 11 / 2 υ h 9 / 2 ] low J to the deformed core rotor.

Collective bands in the neutron-rich 103 Nb nucleus have been investigated by measuring prompt γ -rays following spontaneous fission of 252 Cf. Three new bands have been identified. The band based on the 716.8 keV level is proposed as a candidate for the K π = 9 / 2 + one-phonon γ -vibrational band, and the band built on the 1282.1 keV level is proposed as a candidate for the K π = 13 / 2 + two-phonon γ -vibrational band. The two-phonon γ -vibrational band is the first such band identified in odd- Z nuclei.

The yrast and near-yrast level scheme of light neutron-rich 143La ( Z = 57 , N = 86 ) is reinvestigated and expanded and that of 144La ( N = 87 ) is proposed for the first time by measuring prompt γ rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf at Gammasphere. Spins/parities are assigned to the lowest-lying levels of 143,144La based on the early studies of β − decay, and the assignments for high-spin levels of 143,144La are made by measuring internal conversion coefficients and following the level systematics of the neighboring heavier La isotopes and even–even Ba and Ce nuclei. The B ( E 1 ) / B ( E 2 ) ratios, energy displacements δ E ( I ) and rotational frequency ratios ω − ( I ) / ω + ( I ) of the new parity-doublets of 143,144La indicate that octupole deformations/correlations also develop in these nuclei. The band-crossings observed in a rotational frequency range of 0.31 to 0.34 MeV for the two even-parity bands in 143La but being absent in 144La are interpreted as due to alignment of a pair of i 13 / 2 neutrons in 143La.

Levels in the neutron-rich 109Ru have been studied by observing the prompt γ-rays following the spontaneous fission fragments of 252Cf. The ground state band and the negative parity bands have been confirmed and extended. A positive parity band with the band head level at 332.5 keV is newly identified and suggested as a single-neutron excitation band built on the 7/2+[404] Nilsson orbital. Some structural characteristics of these bands are discussed.

Rotational bands in 108,110,112Ru have been investigated by means of γ – γ – γ and γ – γ ( θ ) coincidences of prompt γ rays emitted in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf. The positive parity bands are described by different versions of IBA, where 108Ru is best described as a γ-soft nucleus whereas 110,112Ru are more like rigid triaxial rotors. New Δ I = 1 negative parity doublet bands are found. In case of 110,112Ru, these are interpreted as soft chiral vibrations. Many of the experimental findings can be explained by microscopic calculations that combine the TAC mean-field with random phase approximation but a simple geometrical explanation is not apparent.

Prompt γ – γ – γ coincidence measurements of A = 99 –114 neutron-rich nuclei populated in the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf were made with Gammasphere. The high statistics data, 5.7×10 11 triples and higher folds, opened up discoveries of new band structures and significant extensions of previously known bands. The new data for ground bands in 99,101 Y, 101,105 Nb, 105,107,109,111 Tc and 111,113 Rh when compared with one quasi-particle plus triaxial rotor calculation, revealed a smooth transition from axial symmetry in 99,101 Y to maximize triaxiality in 111,113 Rh. In 106 Mo, 110,112 Ru, pairs of Δ I = 1 doublet bands are established to high spins. Their constant and equal kinetic moments of inertia, small energy differences between states of the same spin and very similar B(E2)/B(M1) ratios for each band in these nuclei suggest that these are chiral doublet bands. If they are not chiral, then a new symmetry is indicted. Extended one- and new two-phonon γ -vibrational bands are observed in 110,112 Ru. The extended one-phonon bands in 104-108 Mo, and 108-112 Ru exhibit an unexpected reversal in the energy level staggering pattern with spin. The first one- and two-phonon γ -bands in an odd- A nucleus are seen in 105 Mo with level energies almost identical to these same bands known in 104 Mo.

Prompt triple γ coincidence studies of the nuclei produced in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf were carried out at Gammasphere. The relative yield matrix for the Ba-Mo and Ba-α-Zr charge splits was determined using an improved analysis. An upper limit for the second mode of 0.5 % is found for the binary case, while the ternary case shows evidence of a strong second mode. Half-lives of several states in neutron-rich nuclei were measured by using a new time-gated γ − γ − γ coincidence technique. A large deformation of β = 0.47 was observed in 104Zr using this method. New band structures were found in several odd-A Y, Nb, Tc, and Rh nuclei. These nuclei show a smooth evolution from axial symmetry in Y to maximum triaxiality in Rh. Particle plus triaxial rotor calculations have been made for these odd-A nuclei. The gamma band staggering in 108,110,112Ru will be discussed.

The previously reported levels assigned to 151,152,153Pr have recently been called into question regarding their mass assignment. The above questioned level assignments are clarified by measuring g-transitions tagged with A and Z in an in-beam experiment in addition to the measurements from 252Cf spontaneous fission (SF) and establish new spectroscopic information from $N=84$ to $N=94$ in the Pr isotopic chain. The isotopic chain 143-153Pr has been studied from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf by using Gammasphere and also from the measurement of the prompt g-rays in coincidence with isotopically-identified fission fragments using VAMOS++ and EXOGAM at GANIL. The latter were produced using 238U beams on a 9Be target at energies around the Coulomb barrier. The g-g-g-g data from 252Cf (SF) and those from the GANIL in-beam A- and Z-gated spectra were combined to unambiguously assign the various transitions and levels in 151,152,153Pr and other isotopes. New transitions and bands in 145,147,148,149,150Pr were identified by using g-g-g and g-g-g-g coincidences and A and Z gated g-g spectra. The transitions and levels previously assigned to 151,153Pr have been confirmed by the (A,Z) gated spectra. The transitions previously assigned to 152Pr are now assigned to 151Pr on the basis of the (A,Z) gated spectra. Two new bands with 20 new transitions in 152Pr and one new band with 7 new transitions in 153Pr are identified from the g-g-g-g coincidence spectra and the (A,Z) gated spectrum. In addition, new g-rays are also reported in 143-146Pr. New levels of 145,147-153Pr have been established, reliable mass assignments of the levels in 151,152,153Pr have been reported and new transitions have been identified in 143-146Pr showing the new avenues that are opened by combining the two experimental approaches.

Levels in the neutron-rich 105Mo nucleus have been investigated by observing prompt γ-rays following the spontaneous fission fragments of 252Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The yrast band has been confirmed and updated. The other two collective bands with the band head levels at 870.5 and 1534.6 keV are newly observed, and they are suggested as the candidates for one-phonon K = 9/2 and two-phonon K = 13/2 double γ-vibrational bands, respectively. Systematic characteristics of these bands have been discussed.

A new experiment devoted to the fission of 252Cf is described. It continued a series of our experiments based on correlation measurements of γ rays emitted by fission fragment pairs. The measurements of γ-γ and γ-γ-γ coincidences were done at Gammasphere with closed 252Cf sources. The open source was used for the first time in the last experiment. Fission fragment detectors were arranged in the center hole of Gammasphere. Correlations between fission fragment masses, total kinetic energy, and γ rays were observed. The first, preliminary results of data analysis are discussed.