Low-K bands in 176Hf populated in the (α, 2n) reaction

Levels in 176Hf have been studied by the 174Yb(α, 2n)176Hf reaction. The observation of γ-rays both in singles and coincidence experiments, and the measurement of internal conversion coefficients of many of these transitions has led to the assignment of eleven rotational bands. Those bands with low K are discussed in this paper. They are the ground state band, a Kπ = 0+ band at 1150 keV,a Kπ = 2− band at 1247.5 keV, a third Kπ = 0+ band at 1293 keV, a Kπ = 2+ at 1341.1 and finally a Kπ = 3+ band at 1577.3 keV. The properties of these bands will be discussed. In particular, a suggested explanation for the unusual decay pattern of the Kπ = 2− band will be presented.