Excitation Functions and Yield Ratios for the Isomeric Pairs ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80,80m}$, ${\mathrm{Co}}^{58,58m}$, and ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{44,44m}$ Formed in ($p, \mathrm{pn}$) Reactions

Excitation functions and yield ratios for isomeric pairs have been measured from near threshold to 100 Mev for three ($p, \mathrm{pn}$) reactions. The results are interpreted in terms of the spins of the states involved, the angular momentum of the bombarding particle, competition between compound nucleus formation and the knock-on mechanism and the level density in excited nuclei as a function of spin.