Nonmesonic weak decay of the hypertriton

Abstract

The nonmesonic decay of the hypertriton is calculated based on a hypertriton wave function and 3N scattering states, which are rigorous solutions of three-body Faddeev equations using realistic NN and hyperon-nucleon interactions. The pion exchange together with heavier meson exchanges for the ¿N¿NN transition is considered. The total nonmesonic decay rate is found to be 0.5% of the free ¿ decay rate. Integrated as well as differential decay rates are given. The p- and n-induced decays are discussed thoroughly and it is shown that the corresponding total rates cannot be measured individually.