Observation of (h{sub 11/2}){sup 2} neutron alignments in {sup 100}Mo, {sup 104}Ru, and {sup 108}Pd using deep inelastic reactions

The transitional nuclei {sub 42}{sup 100}Mo, {sub 44}{sup 104}Ru, and {sub 46}{sup 108}Pd have been studied as products of binary reactions formed by a {sub 36}{sup 86}Kr beam impinging on a {sub 46}{sup 110}Pd target. The yrast states are observed above the region of the first backbend. In each case this backbend is associated with the breaking of the first neutron (h{sub 11/2}){sup 2} pair. The results are consistent with the predictions of cranked shell model calculations and the systematics of neighboring nuclei. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}