Quantum-number purity and limits to the formation of nuclear K-isomers

Long-lived metastable states in neutron-rich nuclei at the edge of the deformed region will be studied using a combination of novel heavy ion reactions and time-correlated gamma-ray spectroscopy, with instrumentation at Australian and International facilities. The aims include the discovery of new nuclei, unusual nuclear states and elucidation of the factors that control their structure and formation, and the nuclear structure effects that may limit their occurrence, particularly at the extremes of the deformed region and of excitation. The information will be used to develop more reliable, predictive, models of intrinsic states in neutron-rich nuclei. New spectroscopic techniques and procedures will be developed.