Understanding the shortened lifetime of \boldmath$\isotope[3][\Lambda]{H}$\unboldmath

TL;DR

This paper explains the unexpectedly short lifetime of the hypertriton by proposing that the nuclear environment alters the decay properties of the hyperon within it.

Contribution

It introduces a novel explanation that attributes the hypertriton's reduced lifetime to environmental effects on hyperon decay, differing from previous models.

Findings

Hypertriton lifetime is shorter than free $\Lambda$.

Nuclear environment modifies hyperon decay.

Proposed model aligns with recent measurements.

Abstract

The lifetime of the hypertriton $\isotope[3][\Lambda]{H}$ has been recently measured as significantly shorter than that of the free $\Lambda$. We present an explanation based on a change of the intrinsic hyperon decay due to the nuclear environment.