Direct population of j/sub p/ + j/sub n/ = J/sub max/ two-particle states in /sup 206/ /sup 208/ /sup 210/Bi. [48 MeV; finite-range DWBA analysis]

Closely related high spin states in /sup 206/Bi, /sup 208/Bi, and /sup 210/Bi are preferentially excited in the /sup 204/ /sup 206/ /sup 208/Pb(..cap alpha..,d) reaction at 48 MeV. The character of these states can be understood from the selectivity of the (..cap alpha..,d) transfer mechanism and experimental systematics. Microscopic distorted-wave Born approximation predictions are consistent with new J/sup ..pi../ assignments for 14 strongly excited states with 9 or = 11). This shortcoming is not overcome by full finite range calculations. The strong population of 10/sup -/, 11/sup +/, 12/sup +/, and 14/sup -/ states involves the largest L transfers in direct reactions observed to date.