The production and decay of _Λ⁷Li and _Λ⁷He hypernuclei

Cross sections for production of _Lambda⁷Li* and _Lambda⁷He* states in the strangeness-exchange reactions K^- to pi ^- and K^- to pi ⁰ on ⁷Li are calculated from the shell-model theory of their structure, with discussion of the physical factors relevant for the total rates. The gamma -ray spectrum following these production processes is discussed (a) for the best shell-model fit to the present p-shell Lambda -hypernuclear data and (b) for other conceivable energy level patterns. Possible interpretations for the gamma ray observed by Herrera et al. (1978)-if confirmed to be hypernuclear-are considered in relation to knowledge of the Lambda N and Lambda NN interactions, and the possibility of distinguishing between them by measuring its angular distribution is briefly discussed.