Novel method for producing very-neutron-rich hypernuclei via charge-exchange reactions with heavy ion projectiles

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method using charge-exchange reactions with heavy ions to produce very-neutron-rich hypernuclei, analyzed through quantum molecular dynamics simulations for feasibility and potential experimental applications.

Contribution

A novel charge-exchange reaction approach for creating very-neutron-rich hypernuclei, with feasibility analysis using advanced simulations for future experimental studies.

Findings

Feasibility demonstrated via quantum molecular dynamics simulations.

Predicted yields and background levels for hypernuclei production.

Potential for experimental studies at FAIR and HIAF facilities.

Abstract

We propose a novel method for producing very-neutron-rich hypernuclei and corresponding resonance states by employing charge-exchange reactions via pp($^{12}$C, $^{12}$N $K^+$)n$\Lambda$ with single-charge-exchange and ppp($^{9}$Be, $^{9}$C $K^+$)nn$\Lambda$ with double-charge-exchange, both of which produce $\Lambda K^+$ in a target nucleus. The feasibility of producing very-neutron-rich hypernuclei using the proposed method was analysed by applying an ultra-relativistic quantum molecular dynamics model to a $^6$Li+$^{12}$C reaction at 2 $A$ GeV. The yields of very-neutron-rich hypernuclei, signal-to-background ratios, and background contributions were investigated. The proposed method is a powerful tool for studying very-neutron-rich hypernuclei and resonance states with a hyperon for experiments employing the Super-FRS facility at FAIR and HFRS facility at HIAF.