Competition between proton and neutron excitations in 96Zr

The g factors of the 2+1 and 3−1 states in 96Zr have been measured for the first time by Coulomb excitation of 96Zr beams in inverse kinematics using transient magnetic fields. The resulting g factors are g(2+1)=+0.03(7) and g(3−1)=+0.98(15). The lifetime of the 2+1 state, τ=0.82(10) ps, was redetermined via the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method. The 2+1→0+1 transition rate and the g-factor data are in fair agreement with shell-model calculations involving both proton and neutron excitations. The pronounced octupole strength of the 3−1→0+1 transition is not seen in the g factor which exceeds significantly an expected Z/A value.