High-K multiquasiparticle configurations and limiting moments of inertia in ¹⁷⁸W

Three new high-K multiquasiparticle intrinsic states, K^π=(29⁺), K^π=30⁺, and K^π=(34⁺), have been assigned in ¹⁷⁸W. The configurations of these states are based on ten, eight, and ten, unpaired nucleons, respectively, and they represent the highest-seniority intrinsic K states observed to date. The γ-ray intensity branching ratios and associated |g_K-g_R| values have been used to contribute to the specifications of the underlying single-particle configurations of the states. Configuration-constrained potential energy surface calculations indicate that the nucleus retains stably deformed axially symmetric shapes. This evidence, coupled with the experimental γ-ray decay rates, suggests that K remains a good quantum number in these highest-seniority intrinsic state configurations. The aligned angular momenta of the K^π=(29⁺), K^π=30⁺, and K^π = (34⁺) bands are observed to be lower than those of the other eight quasiparticle, K^π=25⁺ and K^π=28^- bands in ¹⁷⁸W. These differences are interpreted as the effects of reduced pairing due to blocking by the constituent particles. While the dynamic moments of inertia are similar, they remain substantially less than those of a classical rigid rotor, apparently saturating at a value of about 56(Latin small letter h with stroke)² MeV^-1.