Identification of a pairing isomeric band in 152Sm

A coexisting band structure is identified in {sup 152}Sm through {gamma}-ray coincidence spectroscopy following {beta} decay of {sup 152m,g}Eu and following multi-step Coulomb excitation. This structure is interpreted as a pairing isomer analogous to a similar band identified in {sup 154}Gd, based upon relative B(E2) values for transitions out of the band and two-neutron transfer reaction population of the 0{sup +} and 2{sup +} band members. Systematics for odd-A isotopes near N = 90 suggest that there should be a low-lying pairing isomer in {sup 156}Dy, and similar structures at higher energy in {sup 150}Nd and {sup 158}Er.