Measurements of E3 transition strength in the stable even-mass Hg isotopes

Abstract Values of B( E 3; 0 + 1 →3 − 1 ) have been determined for the nuclei 198, 200, 202, 204 Hg by Coulomb excitation using 12 C projectiles. The results obtained are 0.44 (14), 0.41 (4), 0.42 (4) and 0.37 (5) e 2 · b 3 , respectively, corresponding to enhancements of 27 (9), 25 (2), 25 (3) and 22 (3) W.u. The data indicate a clear discontinuity of E3 transition strength between Pt ( Z = 78) and Hg ( Z = 80), and also between Hg and Pb ( Z = 82).