High-spin states and intrinsic structure in ¹⁷⁴Os and ¹⁷⁵Os: Alignments and strong interaction

High-spin states have been identified in ¹⁷⁴Os and ¹⁷⁵Os using (HI, x>n) reactions and gamma-ray techniques. Rotational bands built on low-lying intrinsic states in ¹⁷⁵Os have been observed for the first time. The intrinsic states are identified as a mixed i _{13 2} neutron state (nominally 7 2⁺[633]) and the 1 2^-[521] and 5 2^-[512] Nilsson configurations. Differences in the alignment of the two signatures of the decoupled band built on the 1 2^-[521] state and the comparison between the signature splitting of routhians and if B(M1)/B(E2) values in the i _{13 2} band suggest softness towards gamma deformation. Crossing transitions between the negative-parity bands at intermediate spin have been observed and the interaction strength derived from the branching ratios. A comparison of the properties of bands in ¹⁷⁴Os and ¹⁷⁵Os shows some expected similarities, but also surprising differences which point towards the need for a more comprehensive treatment in strong interaction cases. Depending on the choice of reference the alignment in the i _{l3 2} band might show degenerate BC and AD crossings at a relatively low frequency. This may be consistent with the alignment observed in the negative parity side bands in ¹⁷⁴Os.