Nuclear structure "southeast" of 208 Pb: Isomeric states in 208 Hg anf 209 Tl

The nuclear structure of neutron-rich N>126 nuclei has been investigated following their production via relativistic projectile fragmentation of a EIA=1 GeV null 238 U beam. Metastable states in the N=128 isotones null 208 Hg and null 209 Tl have been identified. Delayed γ-ray transitions are interpreted as arising from the decay of I π =(8 + ) and 17/2 + ) isomers respectively. The data allow for the so far most comprehensive verification of...