Deformation and its influence on $K$ isomerism in neutron-rich Hf nuclei

We investigate the influence of deformation on the possible occurrence of long-lived $K$ isomers in Hf isotopes around N=116, using configuration-constrained calculations of potential-energy surfaces. Despite having reduced shape elongation, the multi-quasiparticle states in $^{186,188}$Hf remain moderately robust against triaxial distortion, supporting the long expected occurrence of exceptionally long-lived isomers. The calculations are compared with available experimental data.