Abstract
We consider 3 types of processes pertinent to the phenomenology of an H dibaryon: conversion of two Λ's in a doubly strange hypernucleus to an H, decay of the H to two baryons, and-if the H is light enough-conversion of two nucleons in a nucleus to an H. We compute the spatial wave function overlap using the Isgur-Karl, Miller-Spencer and Bethe-Goldstone wave functions, and treat the weak interactions phenomenologically. The observation of Λ decays from doubly strange hypernuclei puts a constraint on the H wave function which is plausibly satisfied. Imposing this constraint, we obtain model-independent lower limits on the H lifetime; if mH<m N+mΛ, the H lifetime can be of the order of or longer than the age of the Universe. We discuss limits on a long-lived or stable H, and point out how experiments can improve the constraints.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 014008 |
Pages (from-to) | 014008-1-014008-11 |
Journal | Physical Review D - Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)