Hyperfragment Production in Annihilation of Antiprotons Stopping in Nuclei

Abstract

Investigation of the production of light hyperfragments in the annihilation of antiprotons stopping in nuclei of nuclear photoemulsion and of their meson decays has revealed [1] that the lower limit of production probability of Λ 3 H and Λ 4 H per antiproton stopping in the nuclear photoemulsion is (6.1 ± 3.5)10−4. Mechanism schemes for the production and decay of such hyperfragments are presented. Arguments are presented in favor of one of the production channels of light hyperfragments probably being the sequential decay of hypernuclei produced in annihilation of antiprotons on heavy (Ag, Br) nuclei in photoemulsion. It may turn out to be that the production of such hypernuclei is due to fission of excited recoil nuclei.