Exploring the N$Λ$-N$Σ$ coupled system with high precision correlation techniques at the LHC

Abstract

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