High-spin states inSm146

Transitions between states up to spin $16\hslash$ populated in the ${}_{}{}^{146}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Nd}(\alpha , 4n)$ reaction were observed using $\gamma -\gamma$ coincidence, $\gamma$-ray angular distribution and excitation function, and delayed $\gamma$-ray measurements. A level scheme was constructed up to 6.2 MeV with all levels above 3.8 MeV observed for the first time. Levels below 4.1 MeV were interpreted in terms of the coupling between two extra-core neutrons and excitations of the $N=82\mathrm{}$ core. Rotational structures and isomers were searched for above 4.1 MeV, but none were found.