The neutron-rich zirconium isotopes are a key testing ground for nuclear models due to their sensitivity to shape changes, and because they cross the $r$-process path of explosive nucleosynthesis. Furthermore, recent experimental data have revealed a high-spin isomer in ${}^{108}$Zr. Here we report the results of configuration-constrained potential-energy-surface calculations of ground states and high-$K$ states in ${}^{104–110}$Zr, restricted to quadrupole and hexadecapole shapes. These calculations enable the existing isomer data to be understood, and predictions are made for ${}^{110}$Zr.

• Received 17 January 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.85.027307