High-spin study of 162Ta

Excited states in the odd-odd neutron deficient nucleus 162Ta (Z=73, N=89) have been studied for the first time. The gamma spectroscopy analysis using γ-γ-γ coincidences revealed a strongly coupled rotational structure that was established up to large angular momentum states. The rotational band was assigned to the configuration πh_11/2[514]9/2 - νi_13/2[660]1/2 based on its rotational and electromagnetic properties. The data are interpreted within the framework of total Routhian surface calculations, which suggests an axially symmetric shape with a γ-soft minimum at β₂0.16 and γ 6. The crossing of the signature partners observed in heavier (N≥91) odd-odd nuclides in this mass region is found to be absent at N=89. This might be correlated with a change in S-band structure above the paired band crossing at these neutron numbers.