  The doubly odd Ta isotopes are studied within the framework of the
particle-rotor model. The main aim of this study is to obtain information on
the neutron-proton interaction in deformed nuclei, with particular attention
focused on the role of the tensor force. To this end, both zero-range abd
finite-range phenomenological interactions are considered. Comparison of the
calculated results with experimental data provides evidence of the importance
of the tensor-force effects. We have also performed calculations using a
realistic two-body G matrix for the neutron proton interaction. Some
preliminary results are presented here.
