6533b82afe1ef96bd128c14c

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Neutron and proton spectra from the decay ofΛhypernuclei

subject

description

We have determined the spectra of neutrons and protons following the decay of {Lambda} hypernuclei through the one- and two-nucleon-induced mechanisms. The momentum distributions of the primary nucleons are calculated and a Monte Carlo simulation is used to account for final state interactions. The shape of the proton spectrum is sensitive to the value of {Gamma}{sub n}/{Gamma}{sub p} the ratio of neutron- to proton-induced decay, and the available experimental information favors larger values than those predicted by the one-pion-exchange model. From the spectra we calculate the number of neutrons (N{sub n}) and protons (N{sub p}) per {Lambda} decay and show how the measurement of these quantities, particularly N{sub p}, can lead to a determination of {Gamma}{sub n}/{Gamma}{sub p}. We also show that the consideration of the two-nucleon-induced channel has a repercussion on the results, widening the band of allowed values of {Gamma}{sub n}/{Gamma}{sub p} with respect to what is obtained neglecting this channel. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}