Rotational bands in odd-A Cm and Cf isotopes: Exploring the highest neutron orbitals

Rotational bands have been identified up to high spins (approximate to 28 (h) over bar) in the odd-A nuclei Cm-247,Cm-249 and Cf-249 through inelastic excitation and transfer reactions around the Z = 100 region where stability results from shell effects. The [620]1/2 Nilsson configuration in Cm-249 is the highest-lying neutron orbital, from above the N = 164 spherical subshell gap, for which high-spin rotational behavior has been established. The data allow for an unambiguous experimental assignment of configurations to the observed bands, unusual for odd-A nuclei near Z = 100. The high-spin properties are described in terms of Woods-Saxon cranking calculations.