PROLATE AND OBLATE BAND STRUCTURES IN ODD-ODD AU-186, AU-188

High-spin states have been populated in odd-odd Au-186, Au-188 via the heavy-ion Yb-171,173(F-19,4n) reactions at 93-94 MeV. Rotational bands built on 11- oblate vi13/2(-1) x pi-h11/2(-1) structures have been observed in both nuclei, similar to those reported in Au-190, Au-194. Two new strongly coupled bands in Au-186 are interpreted as prolate pi-h9/2 x vi13/2 and pi-i13/2 x vi13/2 configurations. Based on blocking arguments a band crossing in the latter structure is attributed to the alignment of h9/2 protons. Measured B(M1; I --> I - 1)/B(E2; I --> I - 2) ratios are compared to predictions of the Donau and Frauendorf geometrical formalism extended to odd-odd cases.