Connections between high-K and low-K states in the s-process nucleus Lu-176

Gamma-ray branches that connect high-K states to low-K states in the s-process nucleus Lu-176 were observed, thus providing a link between the 58 Gyr, 7(-) ground state and the 5.3 h, 1(-) isomeric state. High sensitivity and unambiguous placement were achieved through the study of the decay of the 58 mu s K-pi = 14(+) isomer using gamma-gamma-coincidence measurements. The large number of decay paths from the isomer provides a means of populating a broad selection of states from above, resulting, paradoxically, in higher sensitivity than in cases where low-spin input reactions are used. The out-of band decay widths important for excitation processes in stars are quantified.