Heavy-ion in-beam studies of the nucleus 87Nb

High spin states in the transitional nucleus 87Nb up to 14 MeV excitation have been established for the first time via the reactions 40Ca(50Cr, 3p)87Nb and 58Ni(32S, 3p)87Nb. The 87Nb γ-radiations have been identified through γ-ray spectra taken in coincidence with the evaporation residues detected in the Daresbury recoil separator or with multiple proton emission. Gamma-gamma coincidences, DCO ratios, γ-ray angular distributions and lifetimes have been measured. A total of some 100 transitions have been placed into a level scheme comprising of sixty states. The one-quasiparticle (1 qp) bands of either parity and several other band-like structures have been identified, some containing aligned g9/2 nucleons. Moderately enhanced E2 in-band transitions of 13-48 W.u. as well as several weak E2 yrast transitions connecting bands with different quasiparticle numbers have been found. Similarities with respect to the N=46 isotones 83Rb, 84Sr, 85Y, 86Zr and 88Mo are discussed. (orig.)