6533b851fe1ef96bd12aa1a3

RESEARCH PRODUCT

New interpretation of shape coexistence in99Zr

subject

description

Levels in ${}^{99}\mathrm{Zr}$ populated by $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of on-line mass separated ${}^{99}$Y have been studied by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic methods, including $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences recorded with an array of ten Ge detectors and level-lifetime measurements. The formerly reported strongly collective character of the 53-keV transition turns out to be questionable. This implies a revision of the experimental evidence for shape coexistence in ${}^{99}\mathrm{Zr}.$ Transition rates and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray branching ratios make a new level at 679 keV with ${t}_{1/2}=9$ ns another candidate for a deformed state.