High-[Formula Presented] three-quasiparticle rotational bands in [Formula Presented]Hf

High-spin states have been populated in [Formula Presented]Hf with the [Formula Presented]Ca+[Formula Presented]Te reaction at 200 MeV. A three-quasiparticle strongly coupled rotational band has been established in [Formula Presented]Hf which is built upon the known [Formula Presented], 6.2 ns, isomeric state. In addition the strongly coupled band built upon the [Formula Presented], 18 ns, isomeric state in [Formula Presented]Hf has been extended to higher excitation energy. [Formula Presented] values, determined from the [Formula Presented] branching ratios, have been used in combination with the aligned angular momentum to confirm the configuration assignments for each band. Three new [Formula Presented]-ray transitions have also been established in [Formula Presented]Hf which link the [Formula Presented], 6.2 ns, isomeric bandhead state directly into the yrast states. The reduced hindrance factors for these decays are discussed. © 1997 The American Physical Society.