Probing the NÂ =Â 14 subshell closure: g factor of the Mg26(21+) state

The first-excited state g factor of 26Mg has been measured relative to the g factor of the Mg24(21+) state using the high-velocity transient-field technique, giving g=+0.86±0.10. This new measurement is in strong disagreement with the currently adopted value, but in agreement with the sd-shell model using the USDB interaction. The newly measured g factor, along with E(21+) and B(E2) systematics, signal the closure of the νd5/2 subshell at N=14. The possibility that precise g-factor measurements may indicate the onset of neutron pf admixtures in first-excited state even-even magnesium isotopes below 32Mg is discussed and the importance of precise excited-state g-factor measurements on sd shell nuclei with N≠Z to test shell-model wavefunctions is noted.