Theoretical Insights into Nuclear Structure of

A theoretical investigation of the nuclear structure of 196Pt has been carried out within the framework of Triaxial Projected Shell Model (TPSM) to explore its shape evolution, shape coexistence and γ-soft nature. The potential energy surface (PES) shows two distinct minima corresponding to prolate and oblate deformation indicating the presence ofshape coexistence. Calculated yrast states reproduce the available experimental data reasonably well. At lower spins, results are better reproduced by prolate deformation, whereas at higher spins, oblate deformation reproduces the experimental data. While γ band is reproduced by prolate deformation predominantly. The analysis of energy staggering parameters and R4/2 ratios confirm the γ soft triaxial nature of this nucleus. The observed rotational alignment near I = 10ℏ suggests the alignment of i13/2 neutron pairs. Furthermore, the calculated values of B(E2) strengths show good accuracy with the experimental data available for low spins only, supporting the reliability of adopted deformation parameters. Overall, this study offers microscopic insight into the triaxial deformation and shape coexistence in 196Pt, confirming its transitional nature in the Os–Pt–Hg region.