High-spin states in odd-odd $^{168}$Lu

High-spin states of odd-odd $^{168}$Lu were observed up to 18$\hbar$ for the first time using the $^{159}$Tb($^{13}$C, 4n$\gamma$)$^{168}$Lu reaction at $E_{13C}$ = 58.5 MeV. $\gamma-\gamma$ coincidence, $E_\gamma$ singles, excitation function, and the DCO ratios were measured. Two rotational bands with signature splitting were populated, among which the lower-energy band is identified as $\pi 7/2^+ [404]\otimes \nu 5/2^+[642]$ in view of alignment and energy systematics