High-K isomers: some of the questions

Abstract

High-K isomers exemplify the coexistence of individual-particle and collective motion in atomic nuclei. Here, the topic is briefly outlined, and some open questions are discussed. These include violations of the K quantum number; the high-spin limit to K isomerism; the fission stability of K isomers; possibilities for manipulation and control of K-isomer decay rates; and access to K isomers in neutron-rich nuclei.