Excited states of ⁶³Cu were populated via the $^{52}{\rm Cr} + {}^{16}{\rm O}$ (65 MeV) reaction using the gamma detector array equipped with charged particle detector array for reaction channel separation. On the basis of $\gamma-\gamma$ coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios, a level scheme was constructed up to $E_{x} = 7$ MeV and $J^{\pi} = 23/2^{(+)}$. The decay scheme deduced was interpreted in terms of shell model calculations, with a restricted basis of the $f_{5/2}$, $p_{3/2}$, $p_{1/2}$, $g_{9/2}$ orbitals outside a $^{56}_{28}$Ni core.

Hybrid recoil mass analyzer (HYRA) is a unique, dual-mode spectrometer designed to carry out nuclear reaction and structure studies in heavy and medium-mass nuclei using gas-filled and vacuum modes, respectively and has the potential to address newer domains in nuclear physics accessible using high energy, heavy-ion beams from superconducting LINAC accelerator (being commissioned) and ECR-based high current injector system (planned) at IUAC. The first stage of HYRA is operational and initial experiments have been carried out using gas-filled mode for the detection of heavy evaporation residues and heavy quasielastic recoils in the direction of primary beam. Excellent primary beam rejection and transmission efficiency (comparable with other gas-filled separators) have been achieved using a smaller focal plane detection system. There are plans to couple HYRA to other detector arrays such as Indian national gamma array (INGA) and $4\pi$ spin spectrometer for ER tagged spectroscopic/spin distribution studies and for focal plane decay measurements.