Excited states of 96Nb from the 96Zr(p,nγ)96Nb reaction

The γ-ray spectra of the ⁹⁶Zi(p, nγ)⁹⁶Nb reaction have been measured with Ge(Li) detectors at different bombarding proton energies between 1.3 and 5.1 MeV. γγ coincidences were observed at E_p = 4.7 and 5.0 MeV. On the basis of experimental results a level scheme of ⁹⁶Nb was deduced, and γ-threshold energies and γ-branching ratios were determined. Computed Hauser-Feshbach (p, n′) cross sections have been compared with experimental data obtained from the γ-ray measurements, and level spins and parities have been determined. The energies of ⁹⁶Nb levels were calculated on the basis of the parabolic rule, derived from the cluster-vibration model. The Racah multipole decomposition method was used also for the theoretical interpretation of several ⁹⁶Nb multiplet states.