Non-yrast states in ${}^{80}\mathrm{Sr}$ were populated in the ${}^{24}\mathrm{Mg}{(}^{58}\mathrm{Ni}{,2p)}^{80}\mathrm{Sr}$ reaction at 200 MeV and their γ decays investigated using Gammasphere, in order to investigate shape softness and quasiparticle excitations. A large data set was collected which was A and Z gated, using the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer and a focal plane ion chamber. The excellent channel selection enhanced the sensitivity to energetically nonfavored configurations. Several new rotational bands were found, and many conflicts between previous experiments were resolved. In particular, the gamma vibrational band is now clearly delineated, and more than ten quasiparticle bandheads have been identified. At the highest spins, evidence for a long-predicted shape change was found.

• Received 24 January 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.67.064311