Band crossing observed in neutron-rich Pd isotopes via spontaneous fission of [sup 252]Cf

High spin excited states in neutron-rich nuclei [sup 112,114,116]Pd have been investigated by measuring prompt [gamma] rays emitted from a [sup 252]Cf spontaneous fission source. Two different measurements were performed. First, [gamma]-[gamma] coincidence data, necessary to determine the decay schemes, were obtained by using an array of 20 Compton-suppressed Ge detectors. Second, [ital Z] identification and the enhancement of a desired neutron channel were carried out using a [ital x]-[ital n]-[gamma] multiplicity spectrometer. Ground state bands have been extended to [ital J][sup [pi]]=10[sup +] for [sup 112]Pd, and [ital J][sup [pi]]=12[sup +] for [sup 114]Pd and [sup 116]Pd. Band crossings were observed in all three isotopes. It was found from cranked shell model calculations that these backbends are due to the alignment of two [ital g][sub 9/2] protons. The measured energy levels were also compared with predictions of the interacting boson model.