High-K isomerism in rotational nuclei

Abstract

High-K isomers are excited metastable excitations that are found amongst the rotational states of deformed atomic nuclei. They exemplify the coexistence of single-particle and collective degrees of freedom. We review their properties and their theoretical description based on extensions of the Nilsson-Strutinsky approach. Emphasis is given to the limits of K-isomer existence, exotic shapes, fission, K-isomer collective rotations, and the possibilities for isomer manipulation.