Two-phonon character of the lowest J=1- state of Nd142

The decay properties of the 3424-keV 1- state in Nd142, which has long been interpreted as a member of the quadrupole-octupole two-phonon quintet, and of the lowest 3- state, the octupole phonon, have been examined with the (n,n) reaction. -ray branching ratios of these states have been determined, and level lifetimes have been measured by the Doppler-shift attenuation method. These data provide strong support for interpreting the 1- state as having a significant two-phonon 2+3- component.