Theory of kaon-nuclear systems

Abstract

The strong interaction between an antikaon and a nucleon is at the origin of various interesting phenomena in kaon-nuclear systems. In particular, the interaction in the isospin I = 0 channel is sufficiently attractive to generate a quasibound state, the Λ (1405) resonance, below the KN threshold. Based on this picture, it may be expected that the KN interaction also generates quasi-bound states in kaon-nuclear systems, sometimes called kaonic nuclei. At the same time, the KN quasi-bound picture of the Λ (1405) is also related to the discussion of hadronic molecules in hadron spectroscopy. Here an overview is presented of the theoretical studies developed for kaon-nucleon and kaon-nuclear systems. We start from the modern understanding of the Λ (1405) resonance. We then discuss the KN interaction and various aspects of few-body kaonic nuclei. Heavier kaon-nuclear systems are examined from the viewpoint of nuclear many-body physics, with focus on the properties of antikaons in nuclear matter. Related topics, such as the K − p momentum correlation functions in high-energy collisions and the studies of kaonic atoms, are also discussed.

Studies of low-energy K−-nucleus/nuclei interactions with light nuclei by AMADEUS

“…In order to understand the line-shape of the Λ(1405) in kaon induced reactions the background due to the non-resonant K − N → Yπ reactions has to be taken into account. The position of the Λ(1405) reflects the strength of the KN interaction, thus influencing the possible formation of more exotic kaonic bound states (for a review see [21]). The phenomenological models [14-16, 18, 19] interpret the I=0 Λ(1405) as a pure KN bound state, leading to the prediction of deeply bound kaonic nuclear states.…”