Correlated $\Lambda t$ pairs from the absorption of $K^-$ at rest in light nuclei

TL;DR

This study presents new experimental data on $ m \Lambda t$ pairs produced from $K^-$ absorption at rest in light nuclei, revealing preferential emission directions and quantifying their yields, advancing understanding of hypernuclear reactions.

Contribution

It provides novel measurements of $ m \Lambda t$ correlations in light nuclei from $K^-$ absorption, with detailed analysis of emission patterns and reaction modeling insights.

Findings

$ m \Lambda t$ pairs are emitted preferentially in opposite directions.

Yield of $ m \Lambda t$ pairs ranges from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-4}$ per $K^-$ absorption.

Reaction modeling suggests direct reactions dominate $ m \\Lambda t$ emission.

Abstract

Novel data from the $K^{-}_{stop}A$ absorption reaction in light nuclei $^{6,7}$Li and $^{9}$Be are presented. The study aimed at finding $\Lambda t$ correlations. Regardless of $A$, the $\Lambda t$ pairs are preferentially emitted in opposite directions. Reaction modeling predominantly assigns to the $K^-_{stop}A\to\Lambda t(N)A'$ direct reactions the emission of the $\Lambda t$ pairs whose yield is found to range from $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-4}$$/K^-_{stop}$. The experiment was performed with the FINUDA spectrometer at DA$\Phi$NE (LNF).