Experiments with [Formula Presented] atoms

Experiments with [Formula Presented] atoms are proposed in order to study the nuclear interaction of [Formula Presented] hyperons. The production of [Formula Presented] in the [Formula Presented] reaction, the [Formula Presented] stopping in matter, and its atomic cascade are incorporated within a realistic evaluation of the results expected for [Formula Presented] x-ray spectra across the periodic table, using an assumed [Formula Presented]-nucleus optical potential [Formula Presented] Several optimal targets for measuring the strong-interaction shift and width of the x-ray transition to the “last” atomic level observed are singled out: F, Cl, I, and Pb. The sensitivity of these observables to the parameters of [Formula Presented] is considered. The relevance of such experiments is discussed in the context of strangeness [Formula Presented] nuclear physics and multistrange nuclear matter. Finally, with particular reference to searches for the H dibaryon, the properties of [Formula Presented] atoms are also discussed. The role of Stark mixing and its effect on S and P state capture of [Formula Presented] by the deuteron together with estimates of the resulting probability for producing the H dibaryon are considered in detail.