Shell model and multichannel cluster model calculations yield different predictions for the lowest negative parity state of ${}_{}{}^8{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Be}$. Several shell model calculations predict a $1^{-}$ state below about 18.5 MeV which has the same quantum numbers as an $\alpha -{\alpha }^{*}$ cluster state near 22 MeV. The experimental situation pertaining to this problem is examined.

NUCLEAR STRUCTURE ${}_{}{}^8{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Be}$ structure, ${}_{}{}^7{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Li}$($p$,$p$)${}_{}{}^7{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Li}$ phase shifts.

• Received 16 April 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.20.1917