First observation of excited states in 175Hg95

Excited states of the neutron-deficient nucleus Hg-175, populated using fusion-evaporation reactions, are reported for the first time. The spin and parity of the ground state has been determined to be I-pi=7/2(-) through measurements of the alpha decay to the daughter nucleus Pt-171. A structure based on an isomeric state [T-1/2=0.34(3) mu s] with I-pi=13/2(+) and its decay path to the ground state have been established. The observed structures are interpreted in terms of single-particle configurations, and the trends of coexisting shapes in neighboring nuclei are discussed.