Shape coexistence in neutron-deficient Hg188 investigated via lifetime measurements

Background: Shape coexistence in the Z≈82 region has been established in mercury, lead, and polonium isotopes. For even-even mercury isotopes with 100≤N≤106 multiple fingerprints of this phenomenon are observed, which seems to be no longer present for N≥110. According to a number of theoretical calculations, shape coexistence is predicted in the Hg188 isotope. Purpose: The aim of this work was to measure lifetimes of excited states in Hg188 to infer their collective properties, such as the deformation. Extending the investigation to higher-spin states, which are expected to be less affected by band-mixing effects, can provide additional information on the coexisting structures. Methods: The…