Low-Lying Rotational Bands in 153Sm

A series of (n, γ) and (n, e-) experiments were used to develop the level scheme of 153Sm. Spin and parity assignments were made for 15 of the 25 levels below 700 keV. The ground state and nine of these levels below 300 keV are interpreted as members of three K = 3/2 rotational bands (two of negative parity and one of positive parity). The observed gamma-ray branching ratios were compared with the predictions of the Nilsson model for an odd neutron coupled to a deformed core. In most cases the experimental ratios agreed with the theoretical predictions to ± 10%. An attempt was made to extend this analysis to the higher levels but only limited success was achieved. (author)