Multi-quasiparticle structures up to spin {approx}44({h_bar}/2{pi}) in the odd-odd nucleus {sup 168}Ta

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus $^{168}\\mathrm{Ta}$ have been populated in the $^{120}\\mathrm{Sn}$($^{51}\\mathrm{V}$,3$n$) reaction. Two multi-quasiparticle structures have been extended significantly from spin $~20\\ensuremath{\\hbar}$ to above $40\\ensuremath{\\hbar}$. 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 $^{168}\\mathrm{Ta}$ 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.