Neutron-rich nuclei ${}^{147,149,151}$Ce have been studied via the prompt $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy of ${}^{248}$Cm fission fragments. A partial level scheme for ${}^{151}$Ce is presented for the first time, along with the high-spin structure in ${}^{147,149}$Ce. A rapidly changing yrast structure with neutron number is observed and it is suggested that bands in ${}^{147}$Ce and ${}^{151}$Ce are built on the $\nu i_{13/2}$ Nilsson state. The level scheme of ${}^{149}$Ce displays two bands with quite similar transition energies. There is no experimental evidence for octupole deformation in any of the three nuclei.

• Received 10 February 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.56.1296