Measurements of the lightest hypernucleus (${}_{\mathrm{\Lambda }}^3\mathrm{H}$): progress and perspective

Abstract

The hyperon-nucleon ($Y$-$N$) interaction is important for the description of the equation-of-state of high baryon density matter. Hypernuclei, the cluster object of nucleons and hyperons, serve as cornerstones of a full understanding of the $Y$-$N$ interaction. Recent measurements of the lightest known hypernucleus, the hypertriton's (${}_{\mathrm{\Lambda }}^3\mathrm{H}$) and anti-hypertriton's (${}_{\bar{\mathrm{\Lambda }}}^3\bar{\mathrm{H}}$) lifetime, mass and $\Lambda$ separation energy have attracted interests on the subject. Its cross section and collective flow parameters have also been measured in heavy-ion collisions, which have revealed new features on its production mechanism. In this article we summarise recent measurements of ${}_{\mathrm{\Lambda }}^3\mathrm{H}$, focusing on the heavy-ion collisions. We will discuss their implications for the ${}_{\mathrm{\Lambda }}^3\mathrm{H}$ properties and the constrains on the $Y$-$N$ interaction models.

Comments: 12 pages, 10 figures, mini-review for Sci Bulletin