A search is described for an excited Kn = 0+ rotational band based on the 6� 44 MeV level of 24Mg. Mean nuclear lifetimes have been measured by the Doppler shift attenuation method using the 12C('60,a)24Mg reaction and the results are 't'm = 66�29, 28�7 and 13�3 fs for levels at 6'44, 8�65 and 10� 58 MeV respectively. The absolute transition rates found for the y decays from the 6�44 and 8�65 MeV levels are in good agreement with the results of shell model calculations if it is assumed that these levels are the 0+ and 2 + members respectively of the excited Kn = 0+ rotational band. Based on this assumption, a result Qoo = 0�48 �0�08b is obtained for the intraband quadrupole moment. From a study of the 23Na(p, y) reaction, it is established that the J = 4 levels at 12� 63 and 13�05 MeV do not decay by enhanced E2 transitions to the 8� 65 MeV level. This suggests that neither of these levels is the 4 + member of the excited Kn = 0+ rotational band. An assignment of J" = 4+ is made to one member of the doublet at 10�58 MeV.
Tests of collectivity in
Zr98
by absolute transition rates
