We present a new iterative procedure to extract the level density and the γ strength function from primary γ spectra for energies close up to the neutron binding energy. The procedure is tested on simulated spectra and on data from the 173 Yb( 3 He,α) 172 Yb reaction.

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The density of accessible levels in the ( 3 He,αγ) reaction has been extracted for the 162 Dy, 166 Er and 172 Yb nuclei. The nuclear temperature is measured as a function of excitation energy in the region of 0 -6 MeV. The temperature curves reveal structures indicating new degrees of freedom. The heat capacity of the nuclear system is discussed within the framework of a canonical ensemble. PACS number(s): 21.10. Ma, 23.20.Lv, 24.10.Pa, 25.55.Hp, 27.70.+q Typeset using REVT E X 1

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