Shell-model description of N{approx_equal}Z 1f{sub 7/2} nuclei

The available spectroscopic data for nuclei middle and second half of the 1f{sub 7/2} shell are well reproduced by shell-model calculations. For natural parity states of several odd-A nuclei, a comparison of shell-model calculations in the full pf configuration space with the Nilsson diagram and particle-rotor predictions shows that prolate strong coupling applies at low excitation energy. Multiquasiparticle rotational bands and, in some cases, band crossings have been revealed. Coriolis decoupling effects are observed only in nuclei at the beginning of the shell. The ground state bands experience a change from a collective to a noncollective regime, approaching the termination in the 1f{sub 7/2}{sup n} space. Similar features are observed in the even-even N = Z nuclei {sup 48}Cr and {sup 52}Fe and N=Z+2 nuclei {sup 46}Ti and {sup 50}Cr. Evidence of the vibrational {gamma} band is discussed in the N=Z nuclei. A brief review is also presented for unnatural parity levels.