Low-spin non-yrast states and collective excitations in 174Os, 176Os, 178Os, 180Os, 182Os and 184Os

Excited states in the range of isotopes 174,176,178,180,182,184Os, populated in the β-decay of 174,176,178,180,182,184Ir parent activities have been identified using γ-ray singles and coincidence techniques, utilising the high efficiency of a Compton-suppressed array, and conversion electron techniques. Many new states at low excitation energies have been identified, complementing the level schemes previously established from in-beam studies. The new states include excited 0+ states in 174Os, 176Os, 178Os and 180Os. A large body of data on decay properties, spins and parities, and relative E2 and E0 matrix elements has been obtained. The systematics of the quasi-β and quasi-γ bands is discussed. Some detailed analyses in terms of the schematic band-mixing model are presented, incorporating reproduction of the yrare states in the fits. In particular, the proposed interpretation of the anomalous low-frequency alignment gains in the yrast positive-parity states, as a consequence of mixing with a low-lying intruder band, is confronted. The B(E0)/B(E2) ratios are over-estimated by this model although their form (spin and isotope dependence) is reproduced. Better agreement is obtained within the IBM, which uses however reduced effective charges to match experiment. Absolute measurements of the B(E0) and B(E2) values may be necessary to distinguish between the models and test conjectures of shape differences. (orig.)