The binding energy of Λ-particles in nuclear matter

Abstract

From an analysis of the existing data on the binding energy of Λ particles in hyperfragments a fairly reliable value of the binding energy of Λ particles in nuclear matter can be obtained. This value isV0≈22 MeV. It is proposed that this number gives an independent check on the validity of potentials deduced from the very light hyper-fragments. Some simple calculations using the techniques ofBrueckneret al. are carried out with the potential of Lichtenberg and Kovacs (which contains a hard core). It is found that if onlys wave interactions are considered one finds good agreement with the above number. If higher partial waves are included one obtains far too much binding energy and it is suggested that the Λ-nucleon interaction may be weakened by an exchange force in these states.