Search for strongly deformed structures and observation of multiple nucleon alignments in 174W

Highly excited states, up to spin 39h, have been established in W-174, using the Gammasphere array. Ultimate cranker calculations predict the appearance of triaxial, strongly deformed structures above spin 30h in W-174. A new approach was developed for a comprehensive search of the data for such structures, similar to those observed in the Lu and Hf isotopes. No evidence was found for strongly deformed bands in the W isotopes populated in this experiment. Existing rotational structures have been considerably extended, allowing for the observation of both neutron and proton alignments in a number of bands. There is evidence for the i(13/2) neutron and possibly both the h(9/2) and h(11/2) proton crossings. The observed neutron and proton crossing frequencies are in good agreement with predictions of Woods-Saxon cranking calculations using an empirical pair-gap energy, and they lead to an improved understanding of the underlying structure of the bands.