${\bar K}$-NUCLEAR DEEPLY BOUND STATES?

Abstract

Following the prediction by Akaishi and Yamazaki of relatively narrow [Formula: see text]-nuclear states, deeply bound by over 100 MeV where the main decay channel [Formula: see text] is closed, several experimental signals in stopped K- reactions on light nuclei have been interpreted recently as due to such states. In this talk I review (i) the evidence from K--atom data for a deep[Formula: see text]-nucleus potential, as attractive as [Formula: see text] at nuclear matter density, that could support such states; and (ii) the theoretical arguments for a shallow potential, [Formula: see text]. I then review a recent work by Mareš, Friedman and Gal in which [Formula: see text]-nuclear bound states are generated dynamically across the periodic table, using a RMF Lagrangian that couples the [Formula: see text] to the scalar and vector meson fields mediating the nuclear interactions. The reduced phase space available for [Formula: see text] absorption from these bound states is taken into account by adding a density- and energy-dependent imaginary term, underlying the corresponding [Formula: see text]-nuclear level widths, with a strength constrained by K--atom fits. Substantial polarization of the core nucleus is found for light nuclei, with central nuclear densities enhanced by almost a factor of two. The binding energies and widths calculated in this dynamical model differ appreciably from those calculated for a static nucleus. These calculations provide a lower limit of [Formula: see text] on the width of nuclear bound states for [Formula: see text] binding energy in the range [Formula: see text].