Structure of low-lying states in Cd 124,126 populated by β decay of Ag 124,126

The β decay of Ag124,126 low- and high-spin isomers into levels in Cd124,126 was investigated. We have greatly expanded the decay schemes in these nuclei including the identification of the 02+ and 03+ states among 63 new levels in Cd124 and the identification of the 22+ state among 30 new levels in Cd126. Several states were identified in Cd124, which based on energy are possible multiphonon states. Based on the decay of these states, we show that states in Cd124 behave similar to lighter Cd isotopes despite the higher intruder state energies. Our Cd124 data support the conclusion that the neutron-rich Cd nuclei are not described well by an anharmonic vibrator interpretation.