Investigation of low/medium spin excited states in $^{150-154}$Sm via the (p,d) and (p,t) reactions*

Low/medium spin excited states of $^{151,153}$Sm and $^{150,152}$Sm were studied via the (p,d) and (p,t) reactions, respectively, utilizing the STARLITER arrays at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A\&M University. In the experiment $^{152}$Sm and $^{154}$Sm targets were bombarded with 25 MeV protons and the outgoing light charged particles (p, d and t) in the exit channels were detected using the STARS $\Delta E$-$E$ silicon telescope, thus allowing particle identification and a measurement of the nuclear excitation energy. Six BGO shielded HPGe detectors were used to observe the emitted gamma rays in coincidence with the particles. A post-run measurement of gamma rays emitted from the activated target allowed an improved measurement of the half life of the 96 minute $J^{\pi}=8^{-}$ isomer of $^{152}$Eu. Preliminary results are presented.