High-K three-quasiparticle rotational bands in 171Hf

High-spin states have been populated in 171Hf with the 48Ca+128Te reaction at 200 MeV. A three-quasiparticle strongly coupled rotational band has been established in 171Hf which is built upon the known Kπ=19/2+, 6.2 ns, isomeric state. In addition the strongly coupled band built upon the Kπ=23/2-, 18 ns, isomeric state in 171Hf has been extended to higher excitation energy. (gK-gR)/Q0 values, determined from the (ΔI=1)/(ΔI=2) branching ratios, have been used in combination with the aligned angular momentum to confirm the configuration assignments for each band. Three new γ-ray transitions have also been established in 171Hf which link the Kπ=19/2+, 6.2 ns, isomeric bandhead state directly into the yrast states. The reduced hindrance factors for these decays are discussed. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society