Precision mass measurement of ¹⁷³Hf for nuclear structure of ¹⁷³Lu and the $γ$ process

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We report on the precise mass measurement of the ¹⁷³Hf isotope performed at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility using the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap mass spectrometer. The new mass-excess value, ME = -55390.8(30) keV, is in agreement with the literature while being nine times more precise. The newly determined ¹⁷³Hf electron-capture Q value, QEC = 1490.2(34) keV, allows us to firmly reject the population of an excited state at 1578 keV in ¹⁷³Lu and 11 transitions tentatively assigned to the decay of ¹⁷³Hf. Our refined mass value of ¹⁷³Hf reduces mass-related uncertainties in the reaction rate of ¹⁷⁴Hf(γ,n)¹⁷³Hf. Thus, the rate for the main photodisintegration destruction channel of the p nuclide ¹⁷⁴Hf in the relevant temperature region for the $γ$ process is better constrained.