The $g$ factors of the $9^{-}$ and ${11}^{-}$ yrast states in ${}^{194}\mathrm{Pb}$ and ${}^{196}\mathrm{Pb}$ have been measured using the time-dependent perturbed angular distribution (TDPAD) technique. An analysis of the systematics of the properties of these states in the light Pb isotopes is presented. The results confirm the dominance of the $\nu \left(2f_{5∕2}^{-1}1i_{13∕2}^{-1}\right)$ configuration in the $9^{-}$ isomer. The values for the ${11}^{-}$ isomers are consistent with the $\pi \left(3s_{1∕2}^{-2}1h_{9∕2}1i_{13∕2}\right)$ configuration, but they are smaller than those in the Po isotones. The effects of core excitation and particle-vibration coupling are considered, but these do not lead to a detailed agreement between theory and experiment. A Nilsson approach, however, gives good agreement, providing support for a proposed oblate deformation.

• Received 11 February 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.69.064318