Photon strength functions in 177Lu: Study of scissors resonance in high-spin region

Abstract

The nucleus 177Lu is characteristic by an unusually high value of the thermal-neutron capturing state spin, J = 13/2, and by distinct low-energy rotational bands built on the 7/2+ ground state and the 9/2− level at 150 keV. The γ cascades connecting the capturing state with the members of these bands carry unique information about the role of identical M1 scissors-mode resonances, built according to Brink hypothesis assumingly on each energy level, even in conditions of fast nuclear rotation. With this motivation we measured a set of spectra of two-step γ cascades following the thermal neutron capture in 176Lu. The measurement was performed at neutron beam of the LWR-15 Reactor in Řež. From the analysis of these spectra the common parameters of the scissors resonances were deduced. The obtained results are discussed.