Exploring the N$\Lambda$-N$\Sigma$ coupled system with high precision correlation techniques at the LHC

Abstract

The interaction of $\Lambda$ and $\Sigma$ hyperons (Y) with nucleons (N) is strongly influenced by the coupled-channel dynamics. Due to the small mass difference of the $\mathrm{N\Lambda }$ and $\mathrm{N\Sigma }$ systems, the sizeable coupling strength of the $\mathrm{N\Sigma }\leftrightarrow \mathrm{N\Lambda }$ processes constitutes a crucial element in the determination of the N$\Lambda$ interaction. In this letter we present the most precise measurements on the interaction of p$\Lambda$ pairs, from zero relative momentum up to the opening of the $\mathrm{N\Sigma }$ channel. The correlation function in the relative momentum space for $\mathrm{p}\Lambda \oplus \overline{\mathrm{p}}\overline{\Lambda }$ pairs measured in high-multiplicity triggered pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV at the LHC is reported. The opening of the inelastic N$\Sigma$ channels is visible in the extracted correlation function as a cusp-like structure occurring at relative momentum $k^{\ast }$ = 289 MeV/$c$. This represents the first direct experimental observation of the $\mathrm{N\Sigma }\to \mathrm{N\Lambda }$ coupled channel in the p$\Lambda$ system. The correlation function is compared with recent chiral effective field theory calculations, based on different strengths of the $\mathrm{N\Sigma }\leftrightarrow \mathrm{N\Lambda }$ transition potential. A weaker coupling, as possibly supported by the present measurement, would require a more repulsive three-body NN$\Lambda$ interaction for a proper description of the $\Lambda$ in-medium properties, which has implications on the nuclear equation of state and for the presence of hyperons inside neutron stars.

arXiv comment19 pages, 2 captioned figures, 2 tables, authors from page 14, published version, figures at http://alice-publications.web.cern.ch/node/7048

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