Résumé : Partial photoneutron cross sections for 181Ta(gamma;,n) 180Tam(9-) were measured with laser Compton scattering γ rays. The partial cross section, which reflects selective γ transitions in 180Ta leading to the isomeric state, cast new light into the spin- and parity-dependent nuclear level density of 180Ta. Essentially the same selective γ transition is expected in neutron capture on 179Ta leading to 180Ta m(9-). The weak s-process branching to the only naturally occurring isomer 180Tam is discussed. © Copyright owned by the author(s).