Multi-quasiparticle structures up to spin $\sim{44}\hbar$ in the odd-odd nucleus $^{168}$Ta

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus Ta-168 have been populated in the Sn-120(V-51, 3n) reaction. Two multi-quasiparticle structures have been extended significantly from spin similar to 20h to above 40h. As a result, the first rotational alignment has been fully delineated and a second band crossing has been observed for the first time in this nucleus. Configurations for these strongly coupled rotational bands are proposed based on signature splitting, B(M1)/ B(E2) ratio information, and observed rotation-alignment behavior. Properties of the observed bands in 168Ta are compared to related structures in the neighboring odd-Z, odd-N, and odd-odd nuclei and are discussed within the framework of the cranked shell model.