First investigation of excited states in the odd-proton nucleusFr209

Excited states in $^{209}\mathrm{Fr}$ were produced following the $^{176}\mathrm{Yb}$($^{37}\mathrm{Cl}$, $4n$) reaction. An excitation function was measured with data taken at 173, 179, and 185 MeV. Recoiling fusion-evaporation products were separated using the SASSYER gas-filled spectrometer. HPGe clover detectors of the YRAST Ball array at the target position and at the focal plane were used to detect prompt and delayed gamma ray decays, providing the first spectroscopic information about prompt and delayed transitions in $^{209}\mathrm{Fr}$. The decay from a proposed $\ensuremath{\pi}{i}_{13/2}$ configuration isomer was observed in $^{209}\mathrm{Fr}$, and its half-life was measured to be 446(14)ns. States above the isomer were also observed.