Importance of Baryon-Baryon Coupling in Hypernuclei

Abstract

The $\Lambda N - \Sigma N$ coupling in $\Lambda$--hypernuclei and $\Lambda \Lambda - \Xi N$ coupling in $\Lambda \Lambda$--hypernuclei produce novel physics not observed in the conventional, nonstrange sector. Effects of $\Lambda \leftrightarrow \Sigma$ conversion in $^3_{\Lambda}$H are reviewed. The role of $\Lambda N - \Sigma N$ coupling suppression in the $A=4,5$ $\Lambda$--hypernuclei due to Pauli blocking is highlighted, and the implications for the structure of $^{10}_{\;\, \Lambda}$B are explored. Suppression of $\Lambda \Lambda - \Xi N$ conversion in $^{\;\;\, 6}_{\Lambda \Lambda}$He is hypothesized as the reason that the $< V_{\Lambda \Lambda} >$ matrix element is small. Measurement of $^{\;\;\, 4}_{\Lambda \Lambda}$H is proposed to investigate the full $\Lambda \Lambda - \Xi N$ interaction. The implication for $\Lambda \Lambda$ analog states is discussed.