Precise measurement of the $Λ$-binding energy difference between $^3_Λ$H and $^4_Λ$H via decay-pion spectroscopy at MAMI
We performed high-precision decay-pion spectroscopy of light $Λ$ hypernuclei at the Mainz Microtron (MAMI) using the A1 spectrometer facility. By measuring the monochromatic $π^-$ momentum from the two-body weak decay $^3_Λ\mathrm{H} \to {}^3\mathrm{He} + π^-$ and referencing it to the $^4_Λ\mathrm{H} \to {}^4\mathrm{He} + π^-$ decay, we determined the $Λ$ binding energy of $^3_Λ\mathrm{H}$ with unprecedented accuracy. The obtained value, $B_Λ(^3_Λ\mathrm{H}) = 0.523 \pm 0.013~(\mathrm{stat.}) \pm 0.075~(\mathrm{syst.})$~MeV, is consistent with the STAR result, but indicates a significantly deeper binding than inferred from earlier measurements. This result implies a stronger $Λ$-deuteron interaction and provides stringent constraints on hyperon-nucleon interactions.