High-spin states of odd-odd156Ho

High spin states in the nucleus¹⁵⁶Ho have been studied via the fusion-evaporation reaction¹⁴⁰Ce(¹⁹F,3n)¹⁵⁶Ho at the beam energy of 82 MeV.- coincidences, E, I and excitation functions have been measured. With two rotationally-aligned bands identified as h_11/2] i_13/2], we found two new bands with a signature splitting, whose structure is believed to arise from either h_9/2] or f_7/2] coupled to h_11/2]. Our placement of rays belonging to these new bands suggests that the previously known level scheme should be corrected. We also found many new low-energy rays in the low excitation energy. As compared to¹⁵⁴Ho, the present nucleus with two more neutrons becomes more collective, and shows well-observed rotationally-aligned bands with a clear signature splitting.Communicated by B. Herskind