Transition probabilities in the X(5) candidate $^{122}$Ba

To investigate the possible X(5) character of { sup122}Ba, suggested by the ground-state band energy pattern, the lifetimes of the lowest yraststates of { sup122}Ba have been measured, via the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. The relevant levels have been populated by using the { sup108}Cd({ sup16}O,2n){ sup122}Ba and the { sup112}Sn({ sup13}C,3n){ sup122}Ba reactions. The B(E2) values deduced in the present work are compared to the predictions of the X(5) model and to calculations performed in the framework of the IBA-1 and IBA-2 models.