Optical potential study of Σ nuclear states

Single-particle energies and widths of Σ hypernuclear states are calculated in light systems (A ≤ 40) as energy eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation for a complex optical potential that fits level shifts and widths of Σ^- atoms. The interpretation and significance of Σ (normalizable) bound states embedded in the Λ hypernuclear (as well as, sometimes, in the Σ hypernuclear) continuum are discussed and their properties are studied, primarily in order to identify relatively narrow (Γ ≲ 10 MeV) states. The connection between these calculations and the recently observed Σ hypernuclear states suggests that bound states embedded in the Σ continuum, rather than (nonnormalizable) Gamow resonant states, are produced in (K^-, π) nuclear reactions.