Octupole correlations in high-K states in Pu-240

Abstract

The aim was to search for reflection asymmetric high-K states in Pu-240 by measuring coincidences across the T-1/2 = 165 ns, K-pi = 5(-) two-quasiproton isomer. The measurements were undertaken with the AFRODITE gamma-ray spectrometer when a pulsed beam of 30MeV alpha particles was directed onto a U-238 target. No evidence was found for the known gamma rays that decay from the isomer into the ground state band.