$\Xi$-nucleus potential and $(K^-,K^+)$ inclusive spectrum at $\Xi^-$ production threshold region

TL;DR

This paper reevaluates the $ ext{(K}^- ext{,K}^+)$ inclusive spectrum for $ ext{Xi}^-$ production, suggesting the $ ext{Xi}$-nucleus potential is nearly zero, contrasting previous predictions of a weakly attractive potential.

Contribution

It employs the semiclassical distorted wave method to analyze the spectrum, demonstrating its reliability and challenging the assumption of a strongly attractive $ ext{Xi}$-nucleus potential.

Findings

The spectrum analysis indicates an almost zero $ ext{Xi}$-nucleus potential.

The SCDW method's results agree quantitatively with the Green-function method.

Current data do not support a strongly attractive $ ext{Xi}$-nucleus potential.

Abstract

The $(K^-,K^+)$ $\Xi^-$ production inclusive spectrum is reinvestigated in view of the very weak $\Xi$-nucleus potential predicted by microscopic calculations with the SU$_6$ quark-model baryon-baryon interaction. The inclusive spectrum is evaluated by the semiclassical distorted wave (SCDW) method. The explicit comparison of the strength function with that of the Green-function method demonstrates the quantitative reliability of the SCDW approximation. It is presumed that the presently available data at the $\Xi$ production threshold region does not necessarily imply the attractive strength of about 15 MeV for the $\Xi$-nucleus potential in a conventional Woods-Saxon form. Instead, an almost zero potential is preferable.