γ -ray and conversion-electron spectroscopy of the high-spin isomer in Sm 145

Background: High-spin isomers at ≈9 MeV excitation energies have been reported in several N=83 isotones near Z=64. Spin and parity assignments of Jπ=49/2+ remain tentative for a number of these states in the odd-A nuclei. Purpose: To study the decay of the (49/2+) high-spin isomer in Sm145, make firm spin and parity assignments to the isomer and states populated in its decay, and investigate the structure of the nucleus. Methods: The Sm145 isomer was populated in the Sn124(Mg26,5n) reaction. γ-ray and conversion-electron data were collected using the Solenogam array. Results: A revised lifetime of t1/2=3.52(16)μs was measured for the high-spin isomer. Several new states have been added to the level scheme, and a new state at 8815 keV is proposed as the isomer, based on decay-property systematics, transition strengths, and spin and parity assignments. Firm spin and parity assignments have been made to states up to and including the isomer and the new level scheme is interpreted using shell-model calculations performed with the KShell program. Conclusions: The interpretation of the 49/2+ isomer as a deformed excitation of the core neutrons remains unchanged, although there has been a significant revision of the level scheme below the isomer, and hence significant reinterpretations of the lower-lying states.