The 153Sm nucleus: an experimental and theoretical study

The level structure of 153Sm has been studied by means of the 150Nd(α,n)153Sm reaction. The experiment included measurements of the γ-γ coincidences and γ-ray yield as a function of projectile energy. The rotational band built on the (11/2)-[505] Nilsson orbital was observed up to spin 19/2, and two ΔI = 2 bands of positive parity were identified with spins up to 19/2 and 21/2, respectively. These bands are associated with the isub(13/2) single-particle structure. The data obtained in the present work together with data available in the literature are compared to the result of a particle-rotor coupling calculation. The 153Sm nucleus is found to be a well-behaved rotor. An appropriate single-particle level scheme for 153Sm is established. (Auth.)