High-spin states have been populated in ${}^{171}$Hf with the ${}^{48}$Ca+${}^{128}$Te reaction at 200 MeV. A three-quasiparticle strongly coupled rotational band has been established in ${}^{171}$Hf which is built upon the known $K^{\pi }{=19/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$, 6.2 ns, isomeric state. In addition the strongly coupled band built upon the $K^{\pi }{=23/2\mathrm{}}^{-}$, 18 ns, isomeric state in ${}^{171}$Hf has been extended to higher excitation energy. ${(g}_K-g_R{)/Q}_0$ values, determined from the $(\Delta I=1)/(\Delta I=2)$ branching ratios, have been used in combination with the aligned angular momentum to confirm the configuration assignments for each band. Three new $\gamma$-ray transitions have also been established in ${}^{171}$Hf which link the $K^{\pi }{=19/2\mathrm{}}^{+}$, 6.2 ns, isomeric bandhead state directly into the yrast states. The reduced hindrance factors for these decays are discussed.

• Received 1 August 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.55.508